Collection Equity Award - Juneau Public Library

The Juneau Public Libraries, in Juneau, Alaska intends to buy books to develop a health collection for Shéiyi X̱aat Hít (Spruce Root House), a brand new emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth ages 10-18. In addition to a place to stay, the shelter provides supportive services to youth in need, including crisis stabilization, family mediation, life skills development, and access to ongoing support services. The program utilizes a trauma engaged and place based approach in working with youth and families. Shéiyi X̱aat Hít is a safe place for youth in crisis to go - 24hours a day - and is a critical service in our community. Shéiyi X̱aat Hít is a collaborative project between the City and Borough of Juneau and the Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority, Southeast Alaska’s Tribal housing authority.

However the shelter, which just opened earlier this month, does not have any on-site health resources or reading materials. The Juneau Public Libraries, and the staff at Shéiyi X̱aat Hít, believe that access to information, particularly health information, is important which is why we are collaborating on this grant.