(Halifax Public Libraries) Before the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered libraries across the country in March 2020, the Calgary Public Library was working toward launching a new program: a community wellness desk that would offer free support for mental health and addiction issues at its central branch. But after libraries closed as part of the lockdown and the impact of pandemic restrictions on mental health became known, the library decided to move ahead more quickly than planned, says interim CEO Sarah Meilleur. âThe needs became so high during the pandemic that we realized this was a service we needed to prioritize,â Meilleur says. The pilot program, offered in partnership with local non-profit Woodâs Homes, ran from October to December. It was successful, and the Calgary Public Library is looking into expanding wellness counselling to more branches.