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Welcome to Library BeWell!

At Library BeWell, we recognize that navigating through adolescence can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with issues like stress and anxiety. That's why we're here to provide support and resources tailored specifically for teens, right where they are: at the public library.

Our mission is simple: to empower teens with the tools they need to manage their anxiety and improve their mental well-being. We believe that every teen deserves access to mental health support.

We Do...

Working hand in hand with library teens, library workers, and researchers, we've adapted online activities that cater to teens' specific needs and preferences. We firmly believe that involving teenagers in the design process ensures that our resources are not only effective but also relatable and engaging. From learning how to take action in facing fears to building strength in the face of minority stress, we offer a variety of online activities to help teens manage their anxiety in a way that works for them.

The Oak Park Public Library-Northwestern Team in front of the Library's Vibrant Mural

Our Community-Academic Partnership

Welcome to the culmination of a six-year collaboration between the Oak Park Public Library, the vibrant teens who frequent its halls, dedicated library workers, and enthusiastic researchers from Northwestern University.

Our journey began with a shared vision between the Oak Park Public Library and Northwestern University, and what ensued was a collaborative effort unlike any other, guided by the principles of co-creation, inclusivity, and equity.

Join us on this journey as we work together with public libraries to break the stigma surrounding mental health and support teens in living happier, healthier lives. Our goal is to partner with public libraries across the nation to further increase access to digital tools for teen anxiety. Together, we can make a difference, one teen at a time.

Checkout our partnership

Oak Park Public Library

Teen Services

Principal Investigator

Dr. Ashley Knapp

Youth Digital Mental Health Lab

YDMH Lab

Our Research Collaborators

Creator of the Online Activities

Lab for Scalable Mental Health

Web Development and Applied Software Engineer

Purple Workshops and Software for Research

User Experience and Interface Design

Simrandeep Kour

Contact Us

Ashley A. Knapp, PhD

Principal Investigator

ashley.knapp@northwestern.edu

Miguel Herrera, MEd, LPC

Research Coordinator

miguel.herrera@northwestern.edu

Be Brave,

Buzz Your Own Way.

Northwestern University,

Feinberg School of Medicine,

760 N. Lake Shore Drive,

Chicago, IL 60611

Oak Park Public Library

834 Lake St.,

Oak Park, IL, 60301