NNLM AoU Community Award: Enhancing Health Literacy Outreach at Memphis Public Libraries

Memphis Public Libraries’ (MPL) six-person outreach team, the Connect Crew, was launched in January 2019. This team travels throughout Memphis and Shelby County to host a robust variety of programming for all ages and learning levels, including health and wellness programs. Our partner agencies, including local schools, community centers, parks, and service providers, have requested additional programming around health literacy and wellness. Because the Connect Crew is a newer department for our agency and was established after we piloted All Of Us In Memphis in partnership with NNLM, MLF received funding in 2020 to establish a health and wellness program curriculum for the Connect Crew and to purchase needed equipment and supplies to implement those programs outlined in the curriculum. This project would purchase supplies and equipment to offer additional programs like healthy cooking classes and more diverse fitness classes to reach those who cannot attend traditional library programs.