In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, LA County Library is highlighting the Library Engagement & Access Program (LEAP), an expanded partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health that brings on-site mental health and social service support to library locations across Los Angeles County. The program was launched following a Board of Supervisors motion authored by Holly J. Mitchell and Janice Hahn to expand access to mental health services in trusted community spaces and connect residents to care.

Relaunched on June 2, 2025, at 14 library locations, LEAP has since expanded to 17 locations, connecting customers to compassionate in-person support from teams of Community Health Workers and Psychiatric Social Workers. The program meets people in accessible community spaces and connects them to resources that support mental health, well-being, and stability.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell shared, “I’m proud to see this program expand to more library locations and to know that over 200 people have been connected to interim housing as a result. Libraries have become essential front doors to care for residents with a wide range of lived experiences. This pilot acknowledges that reality by equipping librarians with the support they need, connecting vulnerable individuals to critical mental health and housing services, and creating safer, more compassionate public spaces for everyone.”

“This is the LA County family putting our safety net to work and succeeding,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “The local library may not be where most people expect to encounter mental health professionals, but we saw the need and we responded. Thanks to this program, we are making sure that every person who walks through those doors – no matter their circumstances – can get the help they need to stay safe and get their lives back on track.”

“Libraries are more than places to access information—they are spaces of connection, care, and community,” said Dr. Skye Patrick, LA County Librarian and Director. “Through LEAP, we are proud to partner with the Department of Mental Health to ensure our customers have access to vital resources that support their well-being and help them navigate life’s challenges.”

LEAP offers a wide range of services, including information about community resources such as food pantries, showers, laundry services, CalFresh, and other forms of social service assistance. Customers can also receive referrals for housing and shelter, access to healthcare services, self-care and wellness guidance, coping strategies for stress and daily challenges, and mental health support and connections to care.

As of January 2026, LEAP has helped place 216 individuals into interim housing, highlighting the program’s meaningful role in addressing housing instability and mental health needs across the County.

“We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with LA County Library to provide support and resources to people in a safe and welcoming setting within their communities,” said Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Psy.D., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. “LEAP’s successes highlight what is possible when our agencies work together to promote mental health and wellbeing, and we look forward to building upon this wonderful program to help more residents throughout the County.”

LEAP has also recently added mental health support and information groups at select library locations. Each group meets for a series of eight sessions and offers a supportive space for participants to learn coping skills, strengthen emotional well-being, and connect with others. Current groups include:

• Emotional Well-Being at Rosemead Library
• Mindfulness and Coping Skills at Norwalk Library
• Pathways to Resilience at Lennox Library
• The Mom Village at Lancaster Library
• Tools for the Toolbox – Learning Different Coping Skills to Get You Through the Day at East Los Angeles Library

LEAP services are currently available the following LA County Library locations: