York Public Library, York Rotary, Community Organizations Collaborate for May Mental Wellness Series
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and York Public Library, with the support of the York Rotary Club and many community partners, will present a month of programs related to mental wellness. The series will cover topics such as anxiety management, mindfulness and sleep, Mental Heath First Aid for adults and youth, a Wellness Fair, events for children and families, and more, as well as a Community Read. All community members are invited to participate in reading “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman.
The “Embracing Wellness” series began as a community read sponsored by the Rotary Club of York, which had previously identified Mental Health as a priority area of focus in 2025. Assistant Director for the Library, Kerry Cronin, who is a Rotarian, floated the idea of a community read addressing the topic. The Rotary decided to sponsor the initiative, purchasing 50 books to be distributed at the Library and around town – and decided to fund other initiatives as well: Teen Wellness Kits to be distributed throughout May, and a meditative “Sound Bath” program.
The Community Read quickly became a month full of programming for all ages throughout the month of May.
“I mentioned the community read and mental health focus to various community groups, and everyone wanted to be involved,” said Assistant Director Kerry Cronin. “I think it speaks to the vital importance of mental health issues, and the inclusive culture of our town and the organizations who support us all,” she continued.
“York Rotary is thrilled to be partnering with so many community partners to address these critical issues facing all of us,” said Rotary President Jud Knox.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 37.5% of adults in Maine reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in 2021, and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year nationally.
“It affects us all,” continued Cronin. “This has become a wonderful opportunity to showcase the tremendous resources and organizations available York residents.”
Participating organizations include York Hospital’s Choose to Be Healthy and Youth Resiliency Coalitions; Cornerstone VNA (Visiting Nurse Association); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); York Parks and Recreation; York Center for Active Living; Sweetser; York Community Service Association (YCSA), the Center for Grieving Children, White Pine Programs, and the York School Department.
Many programs are made possible with grant support. Cornerstone VNA will fund “Mental Health First Aid for Adults” a two-day, 8-hour training on May 1-2, and a workshop, “Living Well with Anxiety.” Both events are funded through grant initiatives.
A Youth Mental Health First Aid training session is sponsored by York Hospital’s Choose to Be Healthy and Youth Resiliency Coalitions. York Hospital will also lead a session on wellness from prevention through recovery.
In addition to the Teen Wellness kits (available in the Teen Space at York Public Library), other programs are geared toward youth and children. White Pine Programs will lead a workshop for kids and caregivers on nature-based strategies for emotional regulation.
There will be three chances to join a discussion about “A Man Called Ove.” Fredrik Backman’s beloved first novel about the angry ‘old man next door’ is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. The book was selected because it touches on many themes such as loneliness, grief, ageism, intergenerational relationships, life transitions, and belonging – and will provide a springboard for meaningful conversation on a variety of topics. The York Rotary Club will facilitate a discussion on May 7 at the St. Aspinquid Masonic Lodge; York Public Library will host a discussion on May 14; and the Center for Active Living will host one—with dessert!—on May 19 at CAL headquarters.
The library will also host a screening of “A Man Called Otto”, the film adaptation of the book starring Tom Hanks on May 17.
A full schedule of “Embracing Wellness” events is posted on the Library’s website at yorkpubliclibrary.org/wellness. Registration is encouraged. For more information about the “Embracing Wellness” series, call 207-363-2818.
YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (YPL) is the public library for the Yorks and Cape Neddick. Beyond the 50,000+ items on the premises available to borrow—from books, puzzles, and audio books to a pasta maker and digital keyboard— 8.9 million items are available to cardholders through YPL’s participation in the Maine Minerva Consortium. Library cards are free to any who live or work in York, York Harbor, York Beach, and Cape Neddick.
As a literal and figurative community center, YPL offers a wealth of ongoing educational, recreational, and cultural programs – all geared to enrich, entice, and inspire – and all free and open to the public. The library is supported by town funding and The York Public Library Association, the nonprofit entity that owns the library and protects its future. Learn more or donate at yorkpubliclibrary.org.
York Public Library is located at 15 Long Sands Road in York and is open Monday-Thursday 10a-7p; Friday 10a-5p; and Saturday 10a-2p.
