Mental Health Library
Check out our selection of books and resources related to mental health and well being.
Purpose
The Hard Feelings Mental Health Library is an important part of our mission to increase access and reduce barriers to mental health supports. Free and accessible opportunities to engage with diverse resources ensure that more people get the help they need. At Hard Feelings, anyone can register for a free library card and use it to borrow books, activity cards, workbooks, puzzles, and more.
Our collection
Our Mental Health Library contains over 450 books and resources. We work collaboratively with staff members, volunteers, community, and psychotherapists in our Community of Practice, to ensure we maintain a collection of high quality resources for patrons. Books in our collection are categorized by subject area, which include:
- Anxiety / Depression
- Brain / Body / Trauma
- Grief & Loss
- Mindfulness
- Racial / Social Justice
- Relationships
- Therapist Resources
- Workbooks
You can click here to view our full catalogue (please note that items can only be checked out in-person)
How to check out an item
Step 1: Visit our storefront at 353 Church Street
Step 2: Register for a library card with a staff member or volunteer. It’s free, and all we need is:
- Your first and last name
- Your email address
- Your phone number
Step 3: Browse our selection of over 450 book and resources, and choose one item to borrow.
Step 4: Bring it to the front counter where a staff member or volunteer will check it out for you.
Step 5: Enjoy your item!
Step 6: Return your item within two weeks. You can renew your item one time, for an additional two week period.
Please take good care of what you borrow so others can enjoy them, too!
Library FAQs
Q: Can I come in and read a book from the shelf?
A: Yes! You can always visit us during operating hours to sit and read a book from our library. When you are finished with your book, bring it to a staff member to re-shelve.
Q: Can I borrow more than one book or item?
A: No, we limit patrons to borrow one item at a time to ensure availability of books for other patrons.
Q: Are there late fees on overdue books?
A: No, we do not charge a late fee for overdue books. We kindly ask you to please return the book before the due date so everyone has a chance to enjoy the library.
Q: I have a Toronto Public Library card – can I use that to check out books?
A: No, our mental health library is not affiliated with TPL or any other public library system – you will need to register with us to check out a book.
Q: Are you accepting book donations?
A: We do occasionally accept book donations for books and resources connected to mental health. Ask a staff member if we are currently accepting donations.
Support the library
As a registered charity, donations support our work to reduce barriers and increase access to mental health resources, including our Mental Health Library.
You can support our work by donating on our CanadaHelps page. Big or small, when you make a donation to Hard Feelings you are creating change, helping our community come together to fight stigma and support innovation in the mental health sector. Thank you for being part of our story.