Mission
- To readily connect our patrons and staff to information (both physical and digital) to educate and inform their optimal mental health.
- To reduce stigma often associated with mental health issues so that our patrons and staff feel empowered to seek whatever help they need.
- To be a bridge of information to our community partners, who can further assist with their expertise.
Vision
- A community that feels more at ease discussing mental health as a part of their overall health, and has greatly freed itself of the stigma that surrounds mental health topics so that they feel ready to reach out for help and know that they are not alone.
Values
- Diversity: We honor that everyone has their own story, and that one person’s mental health needs will be different from those of another. We strive to work across age groups, ethnicities, disability and socioeconomic status by working with affinity teams and service levels to best meet the needs of each group.
- Inclusion: We include all in our mission to optimize mental health in our community.
- Education: We strive to continue educating ourselves with the goal to connect patrons to mental health education and support.
- Community: We are welcoming, open, and ready to connect our patrons with the information they need to maintain good mental health.
Mission
- To readily connect our patrons and staff to information (both physical and digital) to educate and inform their optimal mental health.
- To reduce stigma often associated with mental health issues so that our patrons and staff feel empowered to seek whatever help they need.
- To be a bridge of information to our community partners, who can further assist with their expertise.
Vision
- A community that feels more at ease discussing mental health as a part of their overall health, and has greatly freed itself of the stigma that surrounds mental health topics so that they feel ready to reach out for help and know that they are not alone.
Values
- Diversity: We honor that everyone has their own story, and that one person’s mental health needs will be different from those of another. We strive to work across age groups, ethnicities, disability and socioeconomic status by working with affinity teams and service levels to best meet the needs of each group.
- Inclusion: We include all in our mission to optimize mental health in our community.
- Education: We strive to continue educating ourselves with the goal to connect patrons to mental health education and support.
- Community: We are welcoming, open, and ready to connect our patrons with the information they need to maintain good mental health.
Synapse Picks
Synapse Team supports the community in mental wellness
Oct 26, 2022
PCPL has launched its newest affinity team. Synapse aims to create a community that feels at ease discussing mental health without stigma.
Spooky-themed self-care ideas
If you're a spooky-season lover, but bone tired this time of year, try these self-care activities!
Foods with Moods
One of the best things you can do to teach a child about emotions is to teach them the names of different emotions...with food!
Recent Young Adult Reads with Mental Health Representation
The amazing recent fiction titles for Young Adult readers follow teen & new adult protagonists from all walks of life.
ADHD Awareness Month Picks
The 2025 theme is 'The Many Faces of ADHD'. This list is about the multifaceted experience of people with ADHD & respectful representation.
Mental Illness Awareness Week
Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in 1990.
National Bullying Prevention Month October - Adult Version
Here is a list of books for adults and teens on behalf of the Synapse affinity team all about bullying and how to help prevent it.
National Bullying Prevention Month October - Youth Edition
Here is a list of books for kids on behalf of the Synapse affinity team all about bullying and how to help prevent it.
Bibliotherapy for Kids: Supporting Autistic Mental Health
An autistic child who has a thriving self-image and positive mental health may look and act differently than a thriving neurotypical child.
Healing is possible
The Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorder offers free peer support services to anyone struggling with an eating disorder.
Bibliotherapy for Kids: Finding Hope in Death, Loss & Grief
Below are the recommended titles covering topics of death, loss, and grief for kids.
Mental Health & Wellness: New Books for Children
Please always seek care from a mental health professional to find out how this topic may or may not apply to your unique situation.
A Neurodivergent/Mental Health Romance List)
The request: books with neurodiverse & mental health disorder representation but no sexual assault or domestic violence. Here's the list!
Bibliotherapy for Kids: Coping with Anxiety
The fiction books on this list cover themes of anxiety and worry for children.
Bibliotherapy for Muslim Children - Picture Books & Readers
These books can be a source of representation and reflection for younger kids experiencing mental health stressors like xenophobia.
Bibliotherapy for Muslim Children, Middle Grade Picks
These books can be a source of representation and reflection for kids experiencing mental health stressors like xenophobia.
The Library's Synapse Team