Together for Health: The Library and HWC Partnership
The partnership between the West Chicago Public Library and Healthy West Chicago (HWC) has truly flourished since its creation in 2015. Over the past four years, our collaborative efforts have expanded beyond health initiatives to include gardening and exercise, addressing a wide array of community needs.
This partnership serves as a vital channel for Healthy West Chicago to connect with individuals eager to enhance their health through improved cooking skills, gardening knowledge, and wellness practices. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the library and Healthy West Chicago launched a virtual cooking initiative that provided ingredient kits, making it easier for community members to engage in cooking healthy recipes. This program has evolved into a series of both virtual and in-person cooking classes, emphasizing the significance of whole foods in everyday life.
The library is a member in the guiding advisory board of Healthy West Chicago and is a key allied in making sure that enough and different activities are included in each semester program, to make sure that all the families fell that they have access to the information.
One of the standout achievements of this partnership is the establishment of a seed library. This initiative allows community members to access seeds, grow their own gardens, and enjoy the dual benefits of cultivating plants and consuming fresh produce. Overall, the ongoing efforts of the West Chicago Public Library and HWC are making a meaningful impact on community health and wellness.
Through the library, we get feedback regarding the different activities that are impacting the community to make sure that we offer the community what they need. Most of our activities have been focused on adults but in the future, we are looking to improve efforts and create more opportunities for people of all ages.
