Health Literacy

Supporting wellness for a healthy life.

Find health information to help you make decisions and maintain a healthy life.

  • Find free and reliable resources
  • Keep your mind active and stimulated
  • Learn methods now for a healthier future

Upcoming Programs
See what health and wellness programs are happening at your local library by clicking the link below.


Online Health and Cooking Resources

  • Craftsy - An online resource for all creative makers from basic instruction to advance techniques via the Libby app. Offers over 1,400 instructional video classes that cover such topics as sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, drawing, painting, photography, jewelry making, gardening, woodworking, writing, and yoga. Every class is led by expert instructors and also offers downloadable resources. Craftsy offers live streaming events that its users can attend. Find Craftsy in the Libby app.
  • GetSetUp - A social learning platform that offers over 500 classes taught by peers who are experts in their field. Classes cover physical health, mental health, vocational health, social health, and technology. Classes are offered in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Mandarin. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
  • Great Courses - A video streaming service via the Libby app that offers over 250 courses on a variety of subjects including: travel, science, mathematics, history, philosophy, literature, fine arts, music, business, and personal development. Over 3,000+ hours of engaging video content. All courses are taught by top experts and each course offers a guidebook.
  • Hiveclass - A digital resource for young patrons that provides interactive, high quality video instruction in a variety of sports and activities.
  • Magazines & Newspapers - Find articles on just about every topic from news and current events to history, technology and health.
  • Libby Magazines—Over 360 titles in the “Health & Wellness” category
  • New York Times Cooking - Access 19,000+ expert-tested recipes, easy-to-follow cooking guides, and more. To use the Library’s subscription, click redeem (the code is auto-filled) and you'll be asked to create an account with the New York Times. Each login provides you with 24 hours of continuous access.


Health Kits

  • Alzheimer’s Kits:
    • Memory Lane: These kits contain items such as music CDs, films, games, picture books and conversation cards, focused on the 1940’s, 1950’s, or 1960’s. This kit is created for care partners to use with those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Each item in the kit is designed to help spur memories and foster engaging conversations and interactions between people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and their care partner.
    • Memory Activity: These kits contain items such as conversation cards, games, puzzles, and fidget objects. There are 3 versions of this kit, meant for those in either beginning-middle, middle-late, or late stage dementia. This kit is created for care partners to use with those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Each item in the kit is designed to help exercise the brain and foster engaging conversations and interactions between people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and their care partner. 
  • Brain Health Kits - These kits contain items such as games, puzzles, conversation cards, and trivia books. There are several versions of the kits available for checkout, intended to either be used in a group setting or individually. Each Brain Health Kit contains 4 items, designed to help exercise the brain, spur conversations, and foster engagement with others. These kits are a great resource for users of all ages who are interested in stimulating the brain and strengthening brain function. 
  • Blood Pressure Monitors - High blood pressure, known as Hypertension, raises your risk for dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. With this kit, you can monitor your blood pressure at home, in between doctor’s visits. The Blood Pressure Monitor Kit includes an electronic blood pressure monitor and batteries, an instructional guide, and educational materials.

Community Health Resources
  • MedlinePlus - MedlinePlus offers information on health topics, human genetics, medical tests, medications, dietary supplements, and healthy recipes that is easier to read, understand, and use. MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world's largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 
  • HealthFinder.gov - Developed by the U.S. Department of Health, HealthFinder.gov features information on health conditions, healthy living, doctor visits, and pregnancy.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC is the nation’s leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public’s health. Find information on a wide range of health diseases and conditions, infectious disease outbreaks, and emergency preparedness.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Information - Up-to-date information about COVID-19 vaccines.
  • California Department of Public Health COVID-19 - Up-to-date state level COVID-19 resources and information.
  • National Alliance for Mental Illness Sacramento - Provides support groups, mental health education, and resources. Helpline: 916-890-5467.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mental Health - Features resources for coping with a traumatic event and stress, children’s and teen mental health, and how to find support.
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988.
  • Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor.
Have Questions?
Who can I contact about health literacy?

Contact us and a health literacy specialist will help you.

How are libraries qualified to give medical information?

Although library staff can’t answer specific questions about medical conditions, we have partnered with trusted organizations to provide you with reliable resources.

Where can I find more information to improve my health literacy?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation’s medical research agency and is a great way to look up important health information. You can also find information on MedlinePlus for health conditions, wellness issues, and more in easy-to-read language, or check out these TakeCare Films for more health advice.

Contact Us