By Alejandro Marquez
Science and Engineering librarian
University of Denver
ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7787-5801

Abstract

This essay explores the negative effects of loneliness on library users, its impact on health, and strategies for library workers to address this pressing public health concern. It addresses how library workers have the potential to transform libraries into hubs of connection, supporting those struggling with loneliness through empathy, creativity, and dedication. Finally, this essay offers practical measures for library workers and other information professionals to promote social connection within their institutions and communities.

Introduction

Loneliness might seem at the outset to be outside of the library’s mission. However, the American Library Association’s (2024) five core values of access, equity, intellectual freedom and privacy, public good, and sustainability highlight the need for individuals to be connected to themselves, the world around them, and others. As library professionals, it is part of our passion and mission to help provide individuals what they need to be their best selves. The library profession is already offering services and resources to help people connect. This essay delves into the negative effects of loneliness, its impact on health, and strategies for library workers to address this pressing public health concern. Library workers have the potential to transform libraries into spaces for connection. Library workers can support those struggling with loneliness through a combination of empathy, creativity, and dedication.

Today’s world is interconnected in more ways than in previous generations. The increased use and presence of social media, email, video calls, texts, and constant digital communication makes it easier to be heard and seen (Wang, 2021). Yet, many people still experience profound loneliness. Several studies have shown a positive correlation between binge watching and increased loneliness (Starosta & Izydorczyk, 2020; Tolba & Zoghaib, 2022). Adolescents who spend a lot of time on the Internet often experience higher levels of depression and loneliness, especially when their online use becomes excessive. This relationship between internet use and loneliness seems to work in both directions, creating a potentially harmful cycle. When teenagers feel lonely, they tend to use the Internet more, and if their online habits become problematic, their loneliness and depression may worsen (Bélanger, Akre, Berchtold, & Michaud 2011; Nowland, Necka, & Cacioppo, 2018). This cycle can make it difficult for them to break free from their online habits and improve their overall well-being. These issues have serious implications for individual and societal well-being and affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Loneliness is a deeply unsettling emotion that arises when an individual perceives a gap between their social needs and the actual quality or quantity of their social interactions (Pinquart & Sorensen, 2001). This feeling isn’t merely about being alone; it’s about feeling disconnected and unfulfilled within one’s social relationships. Human beings are naturally social creatures. The researchers Baumeister and Leary (1995) proposed that humans have a deep need to belong, which is a powerful force that influences their thoughts, feelings, and how they interact with others. This need to belong motivates individuals to seek out friendships, form groups, and build connections with those around them. It shapes their behavior and affects their emotional well-being, making relationships an essential part of their lives. Even individuals surrounded by others can feel deeply lonely if their relationships lack depth and meaningful connection.

Loneliness once had a neutral or even positive connotation. Initially, it simply referred to the state of being alone or in solitude. This understanding assumes the emotional shift from a medieval agrarian society, where people lived in close-knit communities (Stivers, 2004, p. 11). In those times, multiple generations often lived under the same roof, social mobility was low, and few people ever moved far from their birthplace. This close proximity and lack of movement meant that loneliness wasn’t experienced in the same way as it is today. The modern term has gradually become associated with emotions like anger, sadness, isolation, nostalgia, pity, or fear (Bound Alberti, 2018). Loneliness shifted as societal norms evolved, with increased urbanization, changing family structures, and the rise of technology (Laing, 2016). Today’s mostly digital environments can be filled with superficial connections which often cause feelings of loneliness. According to Laing, the illusion of collective living, where people believe they are part of a community simply by sharing physical space, intensifies these feelings of isolation. Being physically close to others is not the same as sharing genuine emotional connections, which are essential for combating loneliness. This gap between physical presence and emotional intimacy can leave individuals feeling more alone despite being constantly connected online. It can prompt doubts of belonging and inclusion within social groups, workplaces, or communities especially for marginalized groups, including racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women.

The statistics surrounding loneliness paint a grim portrait. According to a recent survey by Meta-Gallup conducted in 142 different countries (Gallup 2023), about one in four people around the world feel very lonely or somewhat lonely. Additionally, researchers suspect that the number of people feeling lonely could be even higher. In a similar study sponsored by the healthcare provider Cigna (Bruce, Wu, Lustig, Russell, & Nemecek, 2019), it was discovered that more than half of U.S. adults (58%) feel lonely. This study was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted social networks and support systems, and it is hypothesized that the events of the last four years have exacerbated feelings of isolation.

Loneliness is not just a fleeting emotion; it is associated with serious health risks, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, dementia, depression, and premature death. The negative mental and physical effects of loneliness highlight its dire implications for public health. An important meta-analytic review by Holt-Lunstad, Smith, and Layton (2010) looked at almost 150 different studies and found that people who do not have social support and feel isolated are at a higher risk of dying early than people who smoke. This risk is even higher than other well-known health risks like not exercising, drinking too much alcohol, or being overweight.

Social interactions have increasingly migrated to digital platforms, and traditional community spaces have diminished over the last 30 years. As a result, many people find themselves dealing with feeling isolated and disconnected. The American sociologist Ray Oldenburg (1999) coined the term “third places” to describe communal spaces. These are spots other than our homes, which are considered the first place, or our workplaces, which are the second place. Third places are where people gather to chat, socialize, and build connections with their community. Many of the third spaces, locations separate from where individuals live and work, in our society are disappearing. These spaces include churches, cafes, bars, gyms, bookstores, parks, and theaters. In many communities, the only place left is the library.

Libraries are the last social safety net, as they provide a variety of services including a place to fill out online job applications, access to community resources, the internet, photocopiers, and fax machines. In this context, the role of library workers in combating loneliness takes on a larger role. Community members trust the library. The Pew Research Center (2013) found that 94% of respondents thought that the library was welcoming and friendly. While more recent statistics aren’t available, this high level of satisfaction is still likely accurate, even though libraries face challenges such as political polarization and censorship. Despite these issues, the positive perception of libraries as inviting spaces remains strong. By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, organizing social events, and providing opportunities for meaningful interaction, library workers alleviate feelings of isolation and build stronger social networks within their communities.

When people spend more time with others, their health and lifespan tend to get better. This means that the more socially active they are, the healthier and longer they live. For example, joining clubs, talking with friends, or participating in community activities improves both physical and mental well-being. Researchers have found that the more social interactions people have, the greater the positive effect on their health and lifespan (Yang et al., 2016). It is important to stay connected with others in order to live a healthier and longer life.

Researchers and policymakers suggest using strategies that encourage social connectedness (Holt-Lunstad, Robles, & Sbarra, 2017; Holt-Lunstad, 2020; United States Congress, 2018). Instead of focusing all of our efforts on the people who are very isolated and need serious help, public policies, programming and initiatives can help everyone feel more connected to others. One initiative could be social prescribing which improves social connections and relationships for everyone, not only those who are in the most severe situations (Morimoto, Koga, Kenzaka, & Son, 2023; Kuhn & Rariden, 2024). Social prescribing is a way to help people with mental health, housing, and loneliness problems by connecting them to informal services and support in their communities. It aims to improve overall well-being by encouraging different sectors like health, social services, and community organizations to work together. This approach started in the United Kingdom and has become popular around the world in the past ten years. By linking individuals to local resources (including libraries), social prescribing helps create a more integrated and supportive care system. Everybody benefits from those efforts, from those who are at high risk of becoming isolated to those who just need a little more social interaction in their lives. The researchers Morimoto, Koga, Kenzaka, and Son (2023, p. 4) identified 11 community functions of the library including “a place to stay, attractive space design, diverse accessibility, choosability of various roles, consultation function, social support, empowerment, mutual trust, formation of connections across generations/attributes, co-creation, and social impact.” They concluded that libraries were an ideal location for social prescribing.

Libraries have a focus on the social and emotional well-being of their users. According to the Public Library Association’s 2022 report titled, Public Library Services for Strong Communities, libraries were asked to identify the areas they are actively working on or planning to address based on their community’s most pressing needs and priorities. In response, public health and well-being was ranked 7th out of 10. Library Journal had a feature on how library programs are addressing loneliness (Rich, 2024). The author noted the different programs and partnerships across that country and the world to help connect individuals of all ages. The researchers Finlay and Haddon (2023) noted how digital library efforts can address loneliness and other public health initiatives. Philbin, Parker, Flaherty, and Hirsch (2019) conducted a scoping review on how public libraries in the United States are involved in health-related work. They found that libraries can serve as community resources and can play an important role in improving the health of the population.

Library staff can also use bibliotherapy, which is the practice of using books in a structured way, to help individuals deal with mental, physical, emotional, or social issues (Tukhareli, 2011). By reading and reflecting on these books, people can gain new insights, find comfort, and develop coping strategies to improve their well-being. Bibliotherapy can be a valuable tool in addressing personal challenges and fostering positive change through the power of literature.

Library workers also have the chance to offer more than just information—they can also provide crucial emotional support to their users. Phillips (2016) explored how librarians could assist young adults dealing with cyberbullying. The study shows that while workers are often viewed as sources of information and guidance, there is also an opportunity for them to become advocates and offer emotional support. Although employees often highlight their roles in delivering information and instruction, they tend to underestimate their ability to provide social and emotional support. Despite this, librarians have shown a strong interest in improving their ability to support users in these important areas.

The library literature has many articles about libraries creating a sense of belonging and welcoming environments. Researchers Wetzel and Kern (2024) looked at outreach efforts and promoting belonging for STEM library users in academic libraries. They found that outreach efforts require continuous time investments and staff can use the unique resources available in STEM libraries as a way to invite more students into the library. Another set of investigators looked at how small and rural public libraries met the needs of older adults during the pandemic (Lenstra, Oguz, Winberry, & Wilson, 2021). Their results indicated that these libraries should prioritize establishing stronger partnerships with institutions serving older adults in order to better support aging populations. Bodaghi and Zainab (2013) looked at the needs of visually impaired students in an academic library. They found that their participants viewed their study carrels as second homes where they felt safe, comfortable, and accepted. Their findings highlight the importance of including such spaces of belonging in future library designs.

The library literature contains articles about the barriers to social belonging. Gibson and Hughes-Hassell (2023) talks about how public and school libraries are often unwelcoming places for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) youth due to their rules, policies, and social practices. Marler (2023) noted that individuals experiencing homelessness face barriers to internet access. These individuals valued public internet access for entertainment and social interactions, which helped build social bonds. Their findings emphasize the need to reconsider the prioritization of digital leisure in inclusion efforts, given its social benefits for disadvantaged users.

The library literature strongly emphasizes providing library items, services, and programming to appeal not only to the mind but also to the body and soul. Library workers carefully curate programs and events to appeal to varied interests and needs. These could include book clubs, music programs, art classes, and more. These programs are offered to individuals of a variety of ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. There is an emphasis on diversifying the library collection to better represent different user populations (Emerson & Lehman, 2022; Gujilde, 2021). Henrich (2020) noted that libraries can enhance student success by offering nontraditional programs that address financial, food, and mental health needs. These low-cost and high-impact services support students’ holistic wellbeing and academic success.

For those grappling with mental health issues and homelessness, libraries serve as places where they can find a temperature-controlled place, bathrooms, and human connection. However, Shephard, Garner, Bell, and Wardle (2023) did a scoping review of 16 articles on social workers in libraries and found that it is a diverse group of users with multiple needs that are not typically accommodated or engaged by traditional library services. The researchers recognize that social workers and libraries are increasingly addressing the common goals of social justice, access, and equity.

Libraries should make formalizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles and practices a key organizational goal (Danquaha, Bass, & McGlothen-Bell, 2023). It is essential for organizations to build and sustain a culture where equity and inclusion are woven into their core operations (Ossom-Williams et al., 2021). Libraries need to design systems, policies, procedures, and practices that align with and support these principles. It demands a thorough and ongoing evaluation of both individual attitudes and behaviors, as well as the practices and policies of the institution as a whole. This means that everyone involved needs to be open to self-reflection and willing to adapt their actions to support DEI goals. Institutions must also be prepared to revise their policies and create an environment where DEI principles are truly integrated into everyday operations.

Practical Steps and Interventions

It is crucial that library workers recognize the signs of loneliness in users. Individuals may not always be able to label their feelings as loneliness. Patrons’ words and actions might be expressions of feeling isolated, invisible, or insignificant, which can indicate underlying social disconnection. Staff should be paying attention to these subtle cues in order to allow for early intervention and support. There are practical steps that can be utilized to enhance the user experience.

Create Welcoming Spaces

Library staff need to create a library environment that is warm, inviting, and inclusive as a key strategy in combating loneliness among library users. When individuals feel comfortable and welcomed in a library, they are more likely to engage with the space and the community, reducing feelings of isolation.

Libraries must provide a variety of seating options such as plush chairs, benches, and group tables in order to cater to different preferences and needs. Comfortable seating encourages individuals to stay longer, relax, and engage with the space and other people. For many people, the library acts as a third space free from time limits where individuals do not have to purchase something. Libraries already designate areas for group activities or social interaction that foster a sense of community. These community spaces could include quiet reading rooms, collaborative workspaces, and dedicated areas for informal conversations. By offering spaces for different types of interaction, libraries accommodate a variety of users and help them connect with each other.

Libraries which have clear and friendly signage help users easily navigate the library to reduce potential stress or confusion. Including welcoming language, such as greetings or phrases inviting users to explore different sections of the library, can create a sense of hospitality and inclusion. Some libraries hang pride flags to signal their inclusivity. Others offer displays and exhibits. Multilingual signs ensure that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds can navigate spaces more easily. Signs in multiple languages and with imagery improve the overall experience for visitors, making them feel welcome and reducing confusion.

Library spaces need to be accessible to all, including those with disabilities, and can help make the environment more welcoming for all. This might include features such as ramps, automatic doors, furnishings, and accessible restrooms. This is also important in digital spaces too; websites and digital signage should be easy to navigate with screen readers and other assistive technologies.

Offer Diverse Programming and Collections

Book clubs, workshops, and community forums bring people together around common interests and help foster connections. It is crucial to offer a variety of programs and events that cater to different interests and demographics. This diversity helps draw in individuals from various ages, cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and preferences. Library coordinators need to think about the whole process of designing programs from the very beginning. It is also essential to understand the interests and needs of the local community. Surveys, focus groups, and casual conversations with patrons can provide insights into what types of programming would be most appealing. Hosting a range of events on different days and at various times allows more people to participate. For example, offering both daytime and evening events can accommodate individuals with different schedules. Libraries could celebrate various cultural traditions and holidays to create a sense of belonging for patrons from diverse backgrounds while also educating others about different cultures. Involving local artists, writers, and experts in programs can foster a sense of community ownership and connection. It can also introduce users to local talent and resources.

Online forums and social media groups also provide avenues for people to connect and share experiences. Virtual programming reaches individuals who may not be able to attend in-person events, whether due to mobility issues, scheduling conflicts, health issues, or other reasons. All programs should be designed with accessibility in mind to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This includes providing assistive technologies, interpretation options, offering programs in multiple formats, or ensuring spaces are wheelchair accessible.

Library collections can complement programming through conscious, deliberate, and data informed practices. Books, audio, video, and other materials need to reflect the community’s diverse backgrounds and experiences. They should represent various cultures, identities, and interests. The library takes suggestions from users to acquire materials to demonstrate that their preferences and needs are important.

Create Interest Groups

Libraries can encourage community groups to use meeting rooms and spaces. Outreach to groups and individuals might include those in need of English as a Second Language (ESL), hobbies such as knitting, grief support, parenting strategies, job searching, or mental health. The library must provide a comfortable and welcoming space for peer interest groups to meet. This might include a quiet, private room or area with seating arranged to facilitate conversation and connection. The library may offer resources such as books, video or audio and materials including paper, pens, and food. This could include books, articles, and other materials that participants can reference during discussions. Additionally, library staff can assist in gathering information and resources on the group’s chosen topic and create bookmarks, suggested reading lists, or handouts. The library can supplement interest groups with programming or group activities such as workshops, guest speaker sessions, or collaborative projects to deepen connections and enhance the experience. These activities provide a shared purpose and help participants bond over common interests. Library staff should regularly check in with participants to gather feedback and use this information to make improvements.

Promote Digital Literacy

Libraries can offer digital literacy workshops and resources to help users navigate online communication tools and social media platforms. This could be through offering circulating items to checkout such as laptops, cameras, and Wi-Fi. Libraries might offer classes on misinformation and identity theft. A technology showcase is a third idea. Libraries play a pivotal role in expanding social opportunities for those who may face barriers to in-person interaction. Digital literacy is a critical component of lifelong learning and can help bridge the gap for individuals who may not have had the opportunity to learn these skills elsewhere. As technology continues to evolve, libraries can ensure their patrons stay updated and connected. These actions by library staff support user’s personal growth and adaptability.

Libraries should collaborate with local technology experts, community centers, or educational institutions to provide specialized knowledge and resources for workshops. This can also include inviting guest speakers to share their expertise. Staff could create and distribute easy-to-follow guides, tutorials, and online resources that can be accessed both in-person and remotely. Presenters should ensure that these materials are available in multiple formats (e.g., printed, digital, video) and cater to various learning styles.

Libraries could offer personalized sessions for individuals who may need additional help. This private assistance provides a safe space for users to ask questions and gain confidence in their digital skills. Research guides could teach users about online safety and best practices, such as privacy settings, recognizing scams, and safe online etiquette. This can help the patron navigate virtual spaces confidently and safely.

Collaborate With Community Partners

Libraries should partner with local organizations, schools, and businesses as an effective strategy for addressing loneliness. Collaborations lead to more diverse and innovative programs by attracting a wider range of library users and addressing different aspects of loneliness. Local partners can help integrate the library deeper into the community by making it a hub for social interaction and support. Efforts in joint marketing raise awareness of library services and programs, attracting individuals who may not have previously considered the library as a place for connection. It allows organizations to pool resources, which permits for greater efficiency and the ability to offer more engaging and impactful programs.

Libraries can begin by researching local organizations with shared goals or which serve similar populations as the library. Library workers could reach out to potential partners with clear objectives and ideas for collaborative initiatives. Staff should explain how a partnership can be mutually beneficial and how it can address user loneliness while benefiting their own audience or community. After each collaborative event, organizations should assess its success and gather feedback from participants, utilizing this information to improve future initiatives and strengthen partnership.

Provide Outreach Services

It is crucial to extend library services beyond the physical building through outreach initiatives. Community engagement efforts increase accessibility for populations who face barriers to traditional library use such as individuals with disabilities, older adults, low-income families, and those in remote areas. These outreach initiatives help libraries build stronger connections within the community by meeting people where they are. This promotes inclusivity and ensures that library resources are available to a broader range of individuals.

Mobile libraries, often referred to as bookmobiles, bring the library to the community by visiting various neighborhoods and areas that may not have easy access to a physical library. These mobile units provide a wide range of library materials and services to lend books, offer digital resources such as Wifi, and conduct on-site programs and workshops.

Organizing pop-up events in various community spaces such as parks, shopping centers, or community centers provides a platform for library staff to interact with community members and offer activities such as storytime, workshops, or informational sessions.

Home delivery services ensure that individuals unable to visit the library due to physical limitations, transportation issues, or other barriers still have access to library resources. This can include delivering books, magazines, or digital resources directly to users’ homes. Regular interaction with library staff during deliveries can also create a sense of companionship and reduce feelings of isolation for users.

Foster Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities create a space for people to form meaningful relationships and a support network and make a positive impact. This sense of purpose can improve their overall well-being and self-worth. Additionally, when individuals feel a sense of ownership and pride in their library, they are more likely to support and advocate for it.

Volunteer programs require planning, training, and coordination. It is imperative that coordinators establish a structured volunteer program with clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations for volunteers. Leaders must provide orientation and training sessions to help volunteers understand library policies and procedures. Volunteer roles need to appeal to different interests and skill sets such as leading book clubs, assisting with story times, organizing and hosting events, helping with technology workshops, guest speakers, and managing displays. Careful thought needs to go into ensuring that volunteer programs are welcoming to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. This includes thinking about accessibility and offering accommodations as needed. Lastly, volunteer coordinators need to regularly acknowledge the contributions of volunteers through thank-you events, certificates, and other forms of recognition.

Encourage Interpersonal Connections

Library staff should be trained to approach users in a friendly, helpful manner. Workers who are knowledgeable and approachable can make a significant difference in how welcomed users feel. Proactive engagement is a tool that not only helps users feel seen and valued, but also builds a sense of belonging and community within the library. These positive experiences can encourage patrons to return to the library more often and engage more deeply with people, library items, and programming.

Administration can provide comprehensive training for library staff on effective communication skills and customer service techniques, including learning how to approach patrons with empathy, patience, and respect, as well as developing active listening skills to understand individual needs and preferences. Leaders can train staff to offer personalized book or resource recommendations based on patrons’ interests, preferences, or current needs. This individualized approach helps patrons feel valued and understood and it opens up opportunities for deeper conversations and interactions. Library staff should be knowledgeable about and promote upcoming events and programs that might interest patrons such as workshops, book clubs, or lectures. This level of engagement shows patrons that staff care about their well-being and are available to support them.

Providing racial and cultural sensitivity training to library employees working with marginalized communities is crucial because it fosters a more inclusive, respectful, and effective service environment. These trainings help staff understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people they serve, which reduces the risk of unintentional biases or microaggressions that can alienate or harm community members. Furthermore, such education promotes empathy, improves communication, and enhances trust between the organization and the community. Ultimately, it leads to more equitable and responsive support and ensuring that the services provided meet the actual needs and respect the dignity of all individuals.

Conclusion

There is a need to acknowledge that what this article is advocating for may seem like vocational awe, mission creep, emotional labor, and role overload. However, the significance of library workers in addressing loneliness among users cannot be overstated, as it serves multiple vital purposes. Fundamentally, libraries function as inclusive environments where people from various walks of life can gather, potentially cultivating a sense of belonging and community. By actively interacting with patrons, library staff play a pivotal role as they organize programs and services that encourage social engagement. These initiatives not only alleviate feelings of isolation, but they also play a crucial part in fostering enduring social bonds among library users. Therefore, the involvement of library workers in combating loneliness is essential for promoting mental well-being and social cohesion within the community.

Additionally, library staff are not trained to perform the duties of a doctor, psychologist, or social worker, nor do they often feel comfortable doing so. They should not have to provide these services without adequate compensation and training. This issue also highlights the societal need for libraries to have adequate budgets for professional development, and to hire trained professionals to accomplish this work.

The process of combating loneliness requires multiple approaches that extend beyond individual and employee interventions. It is imperative that we address loneliness through collective action by creating environments that foster social connection in schools, workplaces, and communities. Initiatives promoting inclusive spaces, peer support groups, and community engagement must bridge the gap between individuals and cultivate meaningful relationships. Investing in social connection will have a positive impact on improving individual and societal health. By prioritizing initiatives that promote inclusivity, empathy, and community engagement, staff can mitigate the harmful effects of user loneliness and build a more connected society. A society that fails to address this issue risks further division and decline in collective well-being.

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