FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Westfield, NJ – February 11, 2026 – Westfield Memorial Library continues to demonstrate its commitment to community wellness by offering a variety of free groups designed to provide connection, education, and encouragement in a safe and welcoming environment.
Recognizing that public libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and community support, Westfield Memorial Library offers a range of groups facilitated by local mental health and wellness professionals. All groups are free to join, but registration is required.
āPublic libraries have always been places where people come not only for information, but for understanding and connection,ā said Library Director Allen McGinley.
āBy hosting a variety of mental health and wellness groups, we are responding to a growing need in our community and affirming that our library is a place where everyone belongs.ā
The current offerings include:
Going through a separation or divorce is one of the most challenging transitions in life, but you donāt have to face it by yourself. Join our Divorce Support Group, where you can find understanding, compassion, and guidance from others who truly get what you’re going through.Ā
Meets the second Thursday, every other month at 7:00pm.
Facilitated by Melissa Schwartzman, LCSW.
Latch & Learn: A Breastfeeding Discussion GroupĀ
Connect with other moms, and have your breastfeeding questions answered by two former RNs, and board certified lactation consultants.
Meets the first Wednesday of every month at 12:30pm.Ā
Facilitated by Carli Fernandez, BSN, IBCLC, and Alisse Montgomery, BSN, IBCLC of LatchEd New Jersey.Ā
Most new moms find themselves overwhelmed with a mix of emotions as they enter into postpartum.
Meets the third Thursday of each month at 12:00pm.Ā
Facilitated by Kristina Cofone, LCSW, PMH-C.Ā
Wellness Wednesday: Functional Medicine Discussion Group
Join us for an informal conversation about a variety of topics including: gut health, food sensitivities, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, vitamins, making sense of lab-work, IBS and other health challenges, and more.
Meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm.
Facilitated by Cheryl Schmid, AFMC.
Womenās Support Group for CancerĀ
This group is a safe, welcoming space for women whose lives have been touched by cancer. Whether you are in treatment, living with chronic or metastatic cancer, or navigating survivorship, you donāt have to walk this journey alone.
Meets the third Wednesday of each month at 12:00pm.
Facilitated by Meredith Shufeld Perrone, LCSW.
All mental health support groups are facilitated by licensed social workers, while wellness discussion groups are facilitated by relevant medical professionals.
Sessions are held in private meeting spaces within the library to ensure confidentiality and comfort.
This initiative reflects the libraryās broader mission to support not only literacy and lifelong learning, but also the overall wellbeing of the Westfield community.
āBy offering these programs,ā says McGinley āwe hope to reduce stigma, foster meaningful connection, and ensure that no one in Westfield feels alone.ā
For more information about the libraryās wellness programming or other upcoming events, visit wmlnj.org.
About Westfield Memorial Library
Westfield Memorial Library is a public library dedicated to providing free and equitable access to information, resources, and cultural experiences for residents of Westfield and the surrounding community. Through innovative programming and responsive services, the Library advances literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.
Media Contact:
Roz Giuditta
Marketing and Outreach Manager
Westfield Memorial Library
