SAD Lamps available for use at the library!
11/01/23
Light therapy lamps at Summit County Library!
Depending on where they live, up to ten percent of Americans suffer from 
some form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).1 In their role as community spaces, some libraries are helping by providing light therapy lamps, the standard treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
“The idea came about after staff members were discussing their own experiences with seasonal depression and the luck they’ve had with SAD lamps,” explained Meg Quirk, South Branch Patron Services Lead. Director Stephanie Ralph and library staff agreed that this would be a great benefit to offer our Summit County community this winter season. Most libraries running a therapy lamp program report great success.2
Lamps are available for in-library use!
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
SAD is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern. Some of those symptoms include:
- Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
- Having low energy
- Trouble sleeping
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
- Overeating and weight gain
- Social withdrawal and a desire to “hibernate”
Even without an official clinical diagnosis, many people feel downright blue during winter and can relate to the above symptoms. Find more information on the National Institute of Mental Health or learn more about SAD, sleep science, sleep shopping, sleep hygeine and more at the Sleep Advisor.
How the service works:
What is a SAD Lamp?
Light therapy is used to replace “lost” sunshine with daily exposure to light from a light box. Getting outside and into natural sunlight can also be a massive mood-booster, so aim to spend some time outside every single day… even if it’s cold.
Where can I use it?
These lamps are available for use in the library at our Summit County Library locations in Frisco and Breckenridge for use in the library. Each location has 1 lamp available by a reading chair; first come, first served. The lamps cannot be taken out of the library.
What do I need to use a lamp for 30 minutes? Just yourself. Ask a staff member where the chair is where our SAD Lamp is set up, grab a book, magazine or newspaper, turn it on and relax!
Can all ages use them?
Yes. We ask that minors under 18 have guardian approval to use a lamp.
How to use a light therapy lamp?
Turn the lamp on and sit, read or work in front of it for 20-30 minutes. For sensitive users, gradual exposure is recommended. Sit about 2 feet away. Face the lamp and allow the light to shine on your face but not directly in your eyes. Do not stare directly into the light. Adjust the angle of the lamp to suit your position.
Why does the library provide this service?
Light therapy lamps can be expensive to purchase. This service provides all Summit County Library cardholders with the opportunity to use light therapy for free.
Are the lights safe to use?
Consult a medical provider to understand if light therapy is safe for you and to understand the benefits and the cautions.3 Side effects are rare and if they occur they are usually mild. If you experience discomfort, stop using the lamp and contact your medical provider. People with certain medical conditions (bipolar disorder, retinal disease, macular degeneration or diabetes), and those taking certain medications should be sure to consult a doctor before using light therapy lamps. Learn more here.
The light therapy lamp should not be viewed as a cure, and other measures including staying fit, sleeping well and eating healthy are also very beneficial for treating the symptoms of mood disorders. Use of the lamp is at your own discretion. Summit County Library is not liable for any health issues related to the use of the lamp.
1National Institute of Mental Health (2013). Seasonal Effective Disorder. Retrieved November 9, 2020, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtml#pub8
2Koerber, Jennifer. “A Little Light Reading: One Cool Thing.” Library Journal, Library Journal, 27 Apr. 2017, www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=a-little-light-reading-one-cool-thing.
3Fader, Sarah. "Struggling with SAD ? Light Therapy can Help with the winter Blues" Better Help, 5 March. 2020 https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/struggling-with-sad-light-therapy-can-help-with-the-winter-blues/
