Open letter to PlaneTree Health Library’s users, supporters, and communities
PlaneTree Health Library closes in 2024.
It is with both sadness and a sense of accomplishment that we announce that the PlaneTree Health Library is closing in 2024, after 35 years.
We are proud of being able to provide information to so many over the years, assisting with their health-related questions and concerns. We are also proud of the ways that the health information PlaneTree Health Library provided has helped people advocate for their own needs and for the health of their families and communities.
We are also tremendously grateful for the support from so many donors, volunteers, grants, and partner agencies that allowed PlaneTree Health Library to serve the South Bay Area for so long while staying independent of corporate for-profit sponsorship.
However, major changes in the landscape of health information (in addition to challenges that all non-profit organizations face) led to the Board of Directors’ decision that PlaneTree Health Library is not currently sustainable.
With deep appreciation for the support over the years that has allowed PlaneTree Health Library to do this work, and with best wishes for healthy and empowered people in our communities,
— Lise M. Dyckman, MA, MLIS, Executive Director
and the Board of Directors of PlaneTree Health Library
What does “closed” mean for an online library?
For PlaneTree Health Library, this means that our staff are no longer able to respond to inquiries by phone, email, or social media.
Our library “collections” – the resource webpages shown below, and PlaneTree Health Library’s videos – will stay up for an indefinite period of time, but the links will not be updated.
Making Informed Health Decisions
Resource Collections on Later Life
Browse our guides for healthy aging and coping with the challenges of age, helping to care for an older adult, and planning for major life changes
Staying Healthy, Advocating for Ourselves
Browse our collections on staying healthy during a wildfire, extreme weather, power outage, or other climate emergency; on coping with the COVID pandemic; and on how to communicate clearly with our health care team.
Plan Ahead to Protect Your Health in a Disaster
Preparing for health concerns in an emergency, power outage, or evacuation.
COVID-19 Information
Coronavirus updates and resource guide for Santa Clara County, CA.
Communication Advice For Better Health Care
Clear, two-way communications and advocating for ourselves for the best health care.
Advocating for Ourselves and Loved Ones in Healthcare Settings
Being informed and aware about health empowers people to take better care of themselves, of their loved ones, and the health of their communities.
But all too often differing priorities between patients and health care professionals, or perhaps a history of distrust, disrespect, or maltreatment, make it difficult to assert what’s important to us.
To help people advocate for their needs in their health care, PlaneTree Health Library offers this video: