Headspace App Unveiled At Santa Clara Co. Library District

CAMPBELL, CA -- The Santa Clara County Library District has teamed up with the popular health and fitness mobile and desktop app Headspace.

Starting this week, free subscriptions for 500 library patrons will be available to enjoy the more than 1,000 hours of engaging virtual meditation classes offered through Headspace’s premium service. This pilot project is made possible through funding from the Pacific Library Partnership’s Innovation and Technology Grant program.

“We all can use a little help with relaxation and stress relief from the pressures around work and everyday life,” Deputy County Librarian Chris Brown said. “Headspace is a great addition to our digital offerings, one that will no doubt be a valuable service for our patrons.”

This marks a library first for Headspace, which caters to more than 30 million users across 190 countries. What started as an event-based company gradually developed into an online experience as a growing number of people have sought to take part in the sessions remotely.

The concept of mindfulness has increased in popularity in recent years. There have also been multiple studies in peer-reviewed journals showing that practicing mindfulness reduces stress, improves focus, increases compassion and decreases aggression.

Headspace can be downloaded for free from the Apple or Google Play stores. The library district's subscription services can be accessed at www.sccl.org/headspace. The company has also produced several helpful videos explaining how best to use the app.

The Santa Clara County Library District includes two bookmobiles, an online library, seven community libraries and one branch library serving Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County.