Libraries get mental health books

SHEFFIELD - Seven area libraries are adding reference materials on mental illness to their shelves thanks to donations from the Shoals chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

NAMI Shoals board members are delivering sets of 20 books to public libraries in Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Killen, Rogersville and Florence. The University of North Alabama's Collier Library is also receiving a set of books.

The paperback books cover the gamut of mental illnesses through a variety of authors who are experts in the field.

NAMI Shoals co-president John Pinion said the books were paid for through a NAMI Alabama grant of $1,650.

"We've been concerned for some time that there's no up-to-date information in our libraries on mental illness and it has changed so much that we really need to be educating, or perhaps re-educating the public on mental illness," Pinion said. "Everything has changed greatly, even in the past five to 10 years. Mental illness is a 100 percent, certified brain disease, and we need to get that information out."

Pinion said the books will also help eradicate stigma associated with mental illness.

Some of the book titles include, "I Hate You, But Don't Leave Me," about borderline personality disorder; "50 Signs of Mental Illness"; "A Brilliant Madness," by actress Patty Duke about bipolar disorder; "Surviving Schizophrenia"; and "Understanding Depression."

On Wednesday, board members Joe and Ginger Cobb delivered books to the Sheffield Public Library. Library director Beth Ridgeway called the books "a welcome addition to our library."

"We have people coming in all the time seeking books on mental illnesses and because the information changes so often, it's hard to keep up-to-date materials," she said.

"We often don't know that information in these books is outdated until people come looking for it. These new books will definitely be used."

Joe Cobb said the 20 books represent "a good selection covering the various mental illnesses."

Ginger Cobb said the books are valuable for consumers because they include the latest changes in mental illness issues, including criteria for diagnosing mental illness and medications used to treat them.

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@timesdaily.com.