by Victoria Freeny
When you think of the library, “lifesaving” might not be the first word that comes to mind. But at the Gettysburg Library, you can check your blood pressure, pick up Narcan, get connected with agencies such as Vision Corp or the Office of Aging, and even learn how Medicare works – all in the same place where you check out your favorite mystery novel. Libraries are stepping into a new role: not just keepers of knowledge, but hosts for community health and wellness hubs.
This week, the library launched a new Narcan table, offering free, self-service access to the opioid overdose reversal medication. Patrons can take Narcan without having to ask—though staff are also available if needed. It’s part of a pilot project the library hopes will become permanent, designed to make a valuable resource accessible to anyone who might need it. For some, the library may be the only place they feel comfortable picking it up.
Another resource to note is the library’s blood pressure station, which is available to the public every day. Patrons can sit down for a quick check or even check out a blood pressure kit to monitor their health at home. Every few months, medical professionals also visit the library to provide in-person blood pressure screenings and advice, making routine care more approachable and convenient.
The library also hosts regular Medicare information sessions, often timed to coincide with important enrollment periods. These programs connect residents with experts who can help them navigate the often-confusing world of healthcare coverage. And later this fall, both Vision Corps and the Office of Aging will be offering presentations at the library, further expanding access to trusted local resources.
Even the library’s popular Library of Things has a health and wellness angle. Beyond the board games, projectors, and hobby kits, patrons can check out practical items like a pulse oximeter, mindfulness cards, or even fitness dice to shake up their home workouts. Pickleball paddles, bocce sets, and trekking poles encourage community members to stay active outdoors, while anti-glare magnifiers make reading easier for those with vision challenges.
All of these resources share one goal: to help people live safer, healthier, and more connected lives. By weaving health into its services, the library has become a true community hub where people can not only learn and explore, but also take charge of their own well-being.
At its heart, the library has always been about access: to knowledge, to information, and to opportunity. Today, that access also means blood pressure checks, Medicare advice, Narcan kits, and tools that make life a little easier. In other words, your library is more than a place for books; it’s a lifeline.
Victoria Freeny is the Public Services Coordinator Librarian for the Adams County Library System.
The Adams County Library System is proud to be a participant in the Adams County Community
Foundation Giving Spree this year.