Books & Audiobooks
May 5-11, 2025 is Mental Health Week in Canada. Founded in 1951 by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health Week offers practical ways to maintain and improve our mental health as well as practical solutions to support recovery from mental illness.
This year’s theme is “Unmasking Mental Health.” Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgment and discrimination. In looking beyond the surface to see the whole person and embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it.
Join us in reflecting on how we can support one another and ourselves – browse our curated list of suggested reads and resources below to get started.
Reading List
Cool Things to Borrow
Many items in our Cool Things to Borrow collection can help support mental health.
Explore Nature Kits
Get inspired to get outside with our Explore Nature Kits. Nature provides significant benefits for mental health: spending time in nature can lower stress hormones, enhance attention, and increase feelings of calmness and joy.
Park and Museum Passes
Enjoy the mental health benefits of nature by exploring a local or provincial park, or borrow a Museum pass to calm stress in a creative and meditative environment.
Nordic Walking Poles
Walking can significantly improve mental health; it triggers the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects, and increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing mental clarity. Borrow Nordic Walking Poles to enhance your hiking experience while promoting fitness and stability.
Board Games & Puzzles
Improve cognitive function with a mentally stimulating activity like playing a board game or completing a puzzle.
Local Organizations & Resources
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Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and communities as they work to improve their mental health and wellbeing. They offer support programs and counselling services for people of all ages and backgrounds on their path to achieving their best wellbeing and mental health. Learn more on their website.
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OK2BME
The OK2BME program is operated by Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health. OK2BME is a set of supportive, confidential services for 2SLGBTQIA+ kids, teens, and adults, as well as those wondering about their sexuality or gender identity. OK2BME’s services include counselling (individual, partnered, family), youth groups, education, and more.
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CMHA Waterloo-Wellington
The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) provides a full care system for those with substance use, mental health or developmental needs. The association serves everyone from children to adults to seniors, all under one roof, with programs to help individuals and families to lead lives filled with meaning and promise.
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FACS Waterloo: List of Crisis Support and Mental Health Services
Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region offers a comprehensive list of local available resources for crisis and mental health support. See the list and learn more on their website.
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Starling Community Services
Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) provides children’s mental health, employment, and housing services in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.
Light Therapy Lamps
Did you know? All four of our library locations have a light therapy lamp. About 15% of Canadians experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a regularly occurring bout of depression in the winter season; light therapy lamps help those experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder during the dreary days of winter. Using a light therapy lamp for just 20-30 minutes a day can help boost mood and energy levels.