An ALHeLA-based research group led by Megan Bell has recently released a report about the results of their 2025 focus groups of Alabama Public Librarians designed to deepen our understanding of the needs of public librarians as they support health literacy in their communities. The project was funded by a Southern Chapter / Medical Library Association Research Grant.
ALHeLA members Megan Bell (right) of The University of Alabama at Birmingham & Alan Backer (left) of The University of Alabama at Birmingham Huntsville Regional Medical Campus presenting information at a table at the Alabama Library Association Public Library Division Midwinter Conference on January 29, 2026. Megan and Alan presented results of the 2025 Alabama Public Librarians Health Information Needs Assessment Focus Group Report, ALHeLA’s Health InfoNet 5-year plan, consumer health information service, and newsletter. They also gave away 3 books: Healthy Living at the Library: Programs for All Ages, Hooray, I See the Doctor Today!, and Medical Genetics and Genomics for Kids.ALHeLA gave away 3 books at the Alabama Library Association Public Library Division Midwinter Conference on January 29, 2026. ALHeLA member Megan Bell presents children’s book Hooray, I See the Doctor Today! to Birmingham Public Library youth services department library assistant Angela Brooks.
ALHeLA gave away 3 books at the Alabama Library Association Public Library Division Midwinter Conference on January 29, 2026. ALHeLA member Megan Bell presents children’s book Medical Genetics and Genomics for Kids to Albert L. Scott Library Youth Services Librarian Frances Smith.
ALHeLA gave away 3 books at the Alabama Library Association Public Library Division Midwinter Conference on January 29, 2026. ALHeLA member Megan Bell presents the book Healthy Living at the Library: Programs for All Ages to Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County Head of Cataloging & Adult Services Librarian Beth Cason.
