Library as a Therapeutic Landscape Promoting Health and Well-Being to Chiropractic Students: A Descriptive Report.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe a bibliotherapy-based wellness initiative that was developed at the health science library at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Methods: A comprehensive literature review and consultations with stakeholders were completed. A bibliotherapy program, which included the practice of using books and reading to promote mental health, well-being, and resilience for chiropractic students, was developed and launched in January 2020. The program included shared reading, reflection, and a guided group discussion. Short readings of various genres (i.e., poetry, fiction, nonfiction) were tailored specifically to address psychological, emotional, and social challenges facing students. Results: The program participant feedback showed that shared reading helped students cope with anxiety, worries, and loneliness and isolation caused by the pandemic, as consistent with bibliotherapy research. Conclusion: The bibliotherapy program at this 1 location seemed to be well-received by chiropractic students. The program was recognized by faculty and college administrators as a valuable addition to other mental health and wellness support services available on campus. These findings suggest future research to evaluate the potential efficacy of bibliotherapy for the mental health, well-being, and resilience of chiropractic students.