Art & Literature as Medicine

The Norman Williams Public Library is excited to be named a Community Partner in Art Pharmacy’s year-long pilot program at Dartmouth College.

Art Pharmacy, a nationwide organization, was founded in 2022 to address the dual mental health and loneliness crises by connecting members with non-clinical, community-based activities that carry protective and therapeutic benefits. Their work is based on research findings that traditional mental health services can leave gaps in care, particularly for those who experience barriers to access, cultural stigma, or a preference for non-clinical interventions.

The system is straightforward: Care Navigators (Art Pharmacy employees, similar to Community Health Workers) collect information about programs at local Community Partners, including the NWPL, Montshire Museum, the Hop, AVA Gallery, and Northern Stage. Art Pharmacy Members then receive recommendations for arts engagements that match their health goals, interests, and access needs. Art Pharmacy handles registration, and Members enjoy a performance or workshop in the community that they might not otherwise have attended.

By becoming a Community Partner, the library encourages a broader audience to build connections and enjoy the wide range of activities NWPL offers. We warmly welcome everyone to the programs and events held in our historic building.