Community Resources

Our Community Resource Coordinator connects individuals and families with agencies and resources to meet their unique needs, including housing or shelter referrals, utility relief, navigating government benefits, and more.

This service is to connect you with resources, and may refer you to social service agencies, but does not provide counseling, therapy, or case management. 

If you would like to meet our Community Resource Coordinator, feel free to join one of our Coffee and Conversations:

• 10-11:30 a.m. every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at Library! at Cole & Ustick
• 10-11:30 a.m. every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at the Downtown Library

This page is a collection of fun and calming experiences online that can help you have a better day, practice mindfulness, regain your calm, or just tune out for a while.

Please note that these links lead outside the Boise Public Library website and may contain advertisements or recommended videos that are not approved by the Boise Public Library.

Book Recommendations

• How to Sit, Thich Nhat Hanh
• The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin
• Why Do I Feel So Worried? Tamm Kirkness
• Happy Brain: Where Happiness Comes From, and Why, Dean Burnett

Videos

Sit back, relax and watch these gentle meditative videos.

Podcasts

The Podcasts on this page discuss wellness, happiness, mindfulness, and more.

• The Happiness Lab
• The Selfwork Podcast
• The Science of Happiness
• The Mental Illness Happy Hour
• Psychology in Seattle
• We Can Do Hard Things
• Therapy for Black Girls

Gentle Games and Interactive Media

Fun, calming, and engaging online experiences and games to play.

• NYT Games
• Murdle
• Sand
• Fluid Simulator
• Kaleidoscope
• Weavesilk
• Spirograph

Uplifting Information Sources

Not everything out there is doom and gloom. There are good things happening in the world every day. Find out about some of them here.

• Reasons to be Cheerful
• Good News Network
• Positive News

Library Resources

As a Boise Public Library user, you have access to a number of other great streaming services and other library resources that can help you and make your day better!

Access Video
Looking to discover a great new program or series? Choose from over 40,000 options, including history, fitness, and do-it-yourself, as well as popular series and documentaries from HBO, the BBC, TED, and more.

Hoopla
Enjoy instant access to movies, TV shows, music, and graphic novels. This collection includes a variety of high-demand releases, award-winners, and old favorites. New content is added on a regular basis. Download the Hoopla app for Android or iOS.

Kanopy PLUS
Kanopy PLUS is a collection of themed movie bundles with unlimited-use titles. Explore a wide selection of crowd-pleasing comedies, thrillers, documentaries, British movies and TV series, classic cinema, family favorites, and much more!

Libby/Overdrive
Enjoy eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines on your computer or device. Choose from thousands of titles, from the latest bestsellers to familiar favorites, with new content added regularly. Start browsing at boise.overdrive.com, or download OverDrive’s award-winning Libby app on iOS or Android.

NYT Games
Crosswords, Wordle, Sudoku and much more!

Community Resources
These services support the general wellbeing of our residents. In addition to our full-time Community Resource Coordinator, we work with several organizations to host pop-ups to connect services and resources with community members at the Library.

And of course, lots of Books!

Terry Reilly Health Services is a community health center that provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services.

Terry Reilly participates in outreach events for those that are interested in services they have to offer. Patient navigators will be available to make future appointments, learn about their programs, provide education on insurance and social security benefits, and connect attendees with important resources. Any questions about their services or programs can be directed to (208) 318-1326 (opens in new window).

• 1st Wednesday of the month at the Downtown Library from 9:00 - 11 a.m.
• 3rd Monday of the month at the Downtown Library from 9:00 - 11 a.m.

The Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program (IVLP) provides a safety net for low-income individuals and families in Idaho who require civil legal services and cannot afford to pay for them. IVLP recruits attorneys from local communities who volunteer their time and expertise to assist those in need. IVLP's free legal clinics are an opportunity to receive advice and counsel on your civil legal matter. 

The clinic will NOT be held at the Downtown Library until the first-floor construction project is complete. Clinics are still being held the first Tuesday of the month from 12:00-2:00 p.m. with Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program. 

Register now (opens in new window)

Book Recommendations

• Queer: The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide For Teens, Kathy Belge
• This Book Is Gay, Juno Dawson
• Rainbow Parenting: Your Guide To Raising Queer Kids And Their Allies, Lindz Amer
• Real Queer America: LGBT Stories From Red States, Samantha Allen

Further Reading

For more support, explore the Boise Public Library’s online catalog featuring a wide range of books on
the subject.

LGBTQ Books

Community Resources

OUTdoors Idaho with the Sierra Club 
Queer-only nature adventure outings. Please email idaho.chapter@sierraclub.org to be included in upcoming events.

Point of Pride
Online application to receive a free chest binder with discrete shipping. Apply at PointOfPride.org/Free-Chest-Binders

Rainbow Circle Idaho
Access affirming mental health care. Call 208-615-4943

Trans Affirm
Online resource hub for transgender and gender diverse people in Idaho. Find on Instagram @transaffirmidaho

Trans Joy Boise
Events and advocacy to celebrate and empower. Find on Instagram @transjoyboise

Wrest Collective
Providing legal or social work services. Call 208-742-6789 or find on Instagram @wrestcollective

Ada County Connect provides services to those experiencing homelessness. Outreach specialists are available to assist with housing assessments, referrals to services and resources, brief case management and problem solving, and general Q&A. 

• 1st Wednesday of the month at the Downtown Library from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• 3rd Monday of the month at the Downtown Library from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m

Support

Family Caregiver Navigator: Connecting caregivers to the services that can reduce stress and increase quality of life. 208-426-5899 (opens in new window)

Aging Strong by Jannus: Volunteer opportunities for older adults, caregiver classes, caregiver support program, memory cafés, and more. 208-947-4282 (opens in new window)

Idaho Community Care Program: Free case management services to caregivers who are caring for an individual with memory concerns, dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease. 208-898-9626 (opens in new window)

Idaho Legal Aid Services Caregiver Team: Guidance on how to become a Certified Family Home provider, which allows Medicaid to cover long-term care costs. 208-334-0711 (opens in new window)

Saint Alphonsus Memory Centers: Three locations in Boise. 208-302-5400 (opens in new window)

• Explore Ada Community Library’s Memory
  Connections Resource collection for those with
  Alzheimer’s Disease and related Dementias
  and their Caregivers at the Victory Branch:
  208-362-0181 (opens in new window)
• Ask Boise Public Library staff about our
  programs like the Alzheimer’s Caregiver
  Support Group and Memory Cafés.

Book Recommendations

• Travelers to Unimaginable Lands: Stories of Dementia, The Caregiver, and the Human Brain, Dasha Kiper
• Eldercare 101: A Practical Guide to Later Life Planning, Care and Well-being, Mary Jo Saavedra
• Floating in the Deep End, Patti Davis

Further Reading (opens in new window)

Support

Call or text 9-8-8 (opens in new window) for the
Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline.

Clarvida Behavioral Crisis Center
is a 24/7 community crisis center located at 7192 Potomac Drive. 833-527-4747 (opens in new window)

Terry Reilly Behavioral Health
Three locations in Boise. 208-466-7869 (opens in new window)

Primary Behavioral Health Services
8620 W. Emerald St. Ste. 150. 208-617-3265 (opens in new window)

A Body & Mind Health Services
148 S. Cole Rd. 208-683-8320 (opens in new window)

Children’s Home Counseling Services
1750 W. Front St. 208-343-7797 (opens in new window)

Book Recommendations

• Reasons to Stay Alive, Matt Haig
• Rising Strong, Brene Brown
• Furiously Happy: A Funny Book about Horrible Things, Jenny Lawson

Further Reading (opens in new window)

Support

St. Luke’s Health System offers a free 7-week grief support group for the community.
208-381-2721 (opens in new window) for additional information.

The Dick Eardley Senior Center has a Widow/Widower support group. Please sign up in advance.
208-608-7580 (opens in new window).

Treasure Wellness Counseling and Training Center offers a weekly group in Meridian.
208-515-7661 (opens in new window) for additional information.

Local hospice agencies often have grief support groups available to the community.

Dial 9-8-8 (opens in new window) for free and confidential support from trained crisis responders.

Children’s Home Counseling Services offers a free grief group for youth aged 12-18.
208-343-7797 (opens in new window) for more information.

Book Recommendations

• When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalinithi
• The Grieving Brain, Mary-Frances O’Connor
• The Dog Who Followed the Moon, James Norbury
• The Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion

Further Reading (opens in new window)

Support

2-1-1 (opens in new window) Idaho Careline: Ask to be connected to medical resources.

Terry Reilly Patient Navigators: Connect patients to healthcare and address social factors that may be a barrier to good health. 208-318-1326 (opens in new window)

Community Health Workers at Full Circle Health: Advocate for individuals who may have limited access to health resources and social services. 208-954-8727 (opens in new window)

Central District Health: Offers a sliding fee scale based on family size and income. 208-327-7400 (opens in new window)

Book Recommendations

• When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi
• And Finally: Matters of Life and Death, Henry Marsh
• Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy, Sharon Marsh
• Atomic Habits, James Clear
• The Well-lived Life: A 102-year-old Doctor’s Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Any Age, Gladys McGarry M.D. 
• Good Energy, Casey Means

Further Reading (opens in new window)

Support

Call 2-1-1 (opens in new window) and ask for Navigation. Holistic service plan for families to promote the health, safety, and well-being of children.

Contact your child’s school social worker if your family is impacted by a loss in housing. Students and their families will be eligible for services

Book Recommendations

• The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did), Philippa Perry
• Advanced Parenting: Advice for Helping Kids Through Diagnoses, Differences, and Mental Health, Kelly Fradin
• The Whole-Brain Child, Siegel & Bryson

Further Reading (opens in new window)

Book Recommendations

• A Guide to Right Thinking for Reentry: A Comprehensive Study Book for the Presently and Formerly Incarcerated, Andre Ward
• The Journey of Reentry: Reintegrating into Society After Incarceration, John Figueroa

Further Reading

Ask Library staff about our digital resources, including help with resumes, budgeting, GED testing, and practice for personal and commercial drivers’ tests.

Reentry Books

Community Resources

Housing

Ada County Connect - Outreach team for individuals experiencing homelessness located in the CATCH building at 503 S. Americana Blvd. Call 208-336-4663 or fill out an online form at findhelpidaho.org.

Jesse Tree of Idaho - Tenant resource center at 1121 W. Miller St. that aims to keep individuals and families housed despite emergency situations such as eviction notices. 208-383-9486.

Employment

St. Vincent de Paul - Employment services and financial education, 208-296-6271, at 5218 W. Fairview St. For general peer support, ask about weekly Reentry Orientation at 208-370-2030.

EQUUS Workforce Solutions - Assists low-income individuals seeking full-time work by providing financial support for career training or overcoming other barriers. Apply online at equusidaho.com.

HonestJobs.com - Website that connects job seekers with relevant and available jobs in the area.

Education

TRIO - Serves limited-income individuals who are seeking a bachelor’s degree or career certification. Call 208-364-9925.

Learn Idaho - Technology help for older adults, including basic computer skills and how to stay safe online. Contact the Dick Eardley Boise Senior Center at 208-608-7580.

Support

Learning How 2 Live / Thrift 4 A Purpose - Provides mentorship, job training, life skills development, and hands-on programs. Find resources and community at 4828 W Emerald St. Call 208-986-8866.

Safe Families for Children - Carefully vetted volunteers help care for children during a family crisis. The mission is to keep families together and strengthen parents by creating an extended support system. Call 208-509-2431.

Coming Home: Women’s Reentry Networking Group - Monthly program at the Library! at Cole and Ustick providing resources and connections for women navigating reentry.