Home > Research > Publications & Outputs > The public library as therapeutic landscape

Links

Text available via DOI:

View graph of relations

The public library as therapeutic landscape: a qualitative case study

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>03/2014
<mark>Journal</mark>Health and Place
Volume26
Number of pages6
Pages (from-to)94-99
Publication StatusPublished
Early online date1/01/14
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

The idea of the therapeutic landscape has been widely used to describe the relationship between place and improvements in mental health. This paper uses data from a qualitative study conducted with people with mental health problems to outline the role of the public library as a therapeutic landscape. It situates the public library as a space that is simultaneously familiar and welcoming, comforting and calming, and empowering. Further, the paper reflects on the impact of proposed library closures in light of these previously hidden benefits, thinking about the library's role as an environment and not as a service provider.