A partnership between Main Libraries and Atlantic Health Systems is bringing health literacy to community members through an innovative initiative that allows patrons to check out tote bags filled with valuable information.

Each Health Literacy Tote Bag contains books, CDs, DVDs, and print materials in a learnable lending kit. Through funding from Atlantic Health Systems Hospital, libraries have acquired books, DVDs, pamphlets, and other materials on mental health topics. The materials purchased were vetted by Atlantic Health Systems experts and are bundled into a tote bag.

Library visitors can borrow the tote bag for 21 days to read the materials. Some of the materials are to be returned to the library, while others can be kept by the patron for future reference. Funding by the Atlantic Health Systems Libraries allows for replenishing the materials.