BUDA, Texas — The Buda Public Library is offering more than books these days.
Through a partnership with the St. David’s Foundation’s Libraries for Health initiative, the library has become a space for community members to address mental health concerns through peer support groups and one-on-one sessions.
The pilot program, funded by a grant from the foundation, provides free mental health services led by peer support specialists. A few times a week, trained individuals who have personal experience with mental health challenges facilitate group discussions on topics such as anxiety, depression, and support for divorced or single parents.
They also offer private sessions for those seeking individualized help.
Melinda Hodges, the library’s director, said the initiative aligns with the library’s mission to be a community hub.
“A modern public library is a place for the community to come together,” Hodges said. “They can meet up with each other, find resources they need, make new friends, and form connections.”
According to Hodges, the foundation selected libraries as partners because they serve as accessible and trusted spaces for people to gather and seek information.
“Libraries for Health was a way to study how they could get more mental health help out in the community,” Hodges said.
Peer support specialist George Barrera facilitates many of the sessions at the library. He said he understands firsthand how difficult it can be to seek help due to stigma or financial barriers.
“A lot of times people just keep it inside because that’s what culture teaches you or there’s a stigma,” Barrera said. “You could come here and you’re not spending $100 on something you might not like.”
Barrera said his personal struggles with depression and anxiety kept him from seeking help earlier in life. Now, he uses his experiences to support others.
“When you do feel comfortable, come,” Barrera said. “Hopefully, you’ll get more and more comfortable, but take that first step— and know we’re here.”
Barrera said he can meet with up to five people daily in one-on-one sessions and engages even more participants in group discussions.
The program is part of a larger effort by the St. David’s Foundation to address mental health needs in rural communities. However, funding for Libraries for Health ended in December 2024, and the Buda Public Library is waiting on word to see if the program will continue.
For now, residents can access free peer support services at the Buda Public Library’s calendar several times each week.
- “Anxiety and Depression” peer support groups meet on the second and fourth Mondays at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
- “Divorced/Single Parent” support groups meet on the first and third Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
- “The Co-parenting Skills” series is on the second Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, George Barrera is available for one-on-one meetups on Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment. Victoria Alaniz is available for one-on-one meetups on Wednesdays by appointment.