Just a note...

So saddened to hear of Ned Vizzini's suicide yesterday. I know his books (such as It's Kind of a Funny Story) dealing with topics like mental illness and depression gave hope to a lot of teens (and adults too). It's easy to feel like the best thing to do is to say goodbye and give up, and that things will never get better. If you do feel this way, there are people that are willing to listen at COAST Hamilton. You can call them anonymously 24 hours a day at 905-972-8338. Take care over the holidays and talk to someone if you need to.

(Enough seriousness. Back to your regularly scheduled book loving on Monday)

Trailer Tuesday

I was heartbroken to hear of the suicides of two teens over the weekend. I try to keep this blog a happy, light place to chat about reading and library-related stuff but as someone who cares about Hamilton teens I feel that I have to do what I can to help teens who may be in crisis.

It's really hard to tell someone or get help when suicide feels like a viable option. When someone has told you that they want to kill themselves, it's really hard to know what to do or say or where to get help.

Here is a resource in Hamilton that you can turn to:

COAST is a 24 hour crisis line. You can find more information here, but the number is 905-972-8338. They are trained on how to help people who are in crisis and considering suicide. If you've been having these kinds of thoughts or know someone who is, please program that number into your phone, so no matter where you are you can get help.

The library also has resources on getting help with things like self-harm, depression and suicide. As you probably know, we have self-check out so you really don't have to talk to a staff person when checking out these kinds of things if you'd rather keep it to yourself. We are also happy to help you find things on these topics. If that seems weird or uncomfortable, say it's for a friend. This is obviously not a substitute for an actual professional psychiatrist or psychologist but it might help. If you're looking for something particular, you can always leave a comment on the blog and I'll do my best to find it.

GLBTQ populations are even more at risk for suicide. To that end, I want to draw your attention to the book The Letter Q: Queer Writers' Notes to Their Younger Selves. It's similar to the It Get's Better project, but it's authors writing letters to their younger selves. It seems really moving (I haven't had the chance to read it yet), and it might help to know that some really really famous people went through what you're going through.

Here's the trailer:

I'll be back later this week with happier topics but in the meantime, be good to one another.