Communities in Crisis: Libraries Responding to the Opioid Epidemic
Friday, November 15, 2019
Devens Conference Center
Devens, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System invite you to attend a symposium on the library response to the opioid epidemic. Our keynote speakers include Dr. Scott Lukas, a Director at McLean Hospital and a Harvard University Professor, and Felice J. Freyer, a Boston Globe Reporter who covers health policy and public health. We’ll have lightning presentations presented by public, school, and academic librarians highlighting the librarians’ experience with topics ranging from developing a plan to respond, Narcan training, occupational safety and health, and self-care. Stay tuned for an open call.
The symposium will wrap up with a conversation led by Keith West, a debate coach from the Boston Latin School, incorporating all points of view. Representatives from the Massachusetts Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom and Social Responsibility Committee will be at each table to facilitate small-group discussions. You will also have the opportunity to connect with public health organizations, support groups, and funders at an exhibit during lunch time and morning coffee.
Following the symposium, a limited number of mini-grants will be available to symposium attendees to offer a program, service, or staff training to build social infrastructure. Librarians awarded funding will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with support from the MBLC and MLS.
Thank you to everyone who responded to our survey to help inform this symposium. We had an outstanding response of 137 librarians. We are using your responses to customize the symposium. Please reach out to us with any questions or suggestions.
Hope to see you there!
Michelle Eberle, Consultant,
Massachusetts Library System
michelle@masslibsystem.org
Shelley Quezada, Consultant to the Unserved,
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
shelley.quezada@state.ma.us
*This symposium contributes to both the MBLC and MLS strategic plans as well as aligns MBLC and MLS services
