The Drug
Info program has been providing high quality information for over 20 years on
alcohol and other drugs through public libraries across NSW. The Drug Info service
is a partnership between NSW Ministry of Health and the State Library of NSW.
In September 2022 the service launched its latest initiative, the Drug & Alcohol Info Pop-Up. The pop-up is a travelling display which includes a variety of resources including the Drug Fact Finder, a tablet based interactive tool, available for NSW public libraries to exhibit, and take into the community for events.
The Drug & Alcohol Info Pop-Up includes an events kit which provide the libraries with suggested activities including: standard drinks demonstrations, trivia challenges, mocktail making sessions and a board game, all designed to spark conversation and reduce the stigma associated with discussing alcohol and other drugs.
After kicking off in Waverley and Camden libraries in September, the Drug & Alcohol Info Pop-Up has travelled around the state, stopping at Wollongong, Crookwell, Gordon, Campbelltown, Muswellbrook, Queanbeyan, Blacktown and Batemans Bay. The program will continue in 2023 travelling to places such as Uralla, Dubbo and Cootamundra, among many others. 
Some highlights to date include Campbelltown's mocktail tasting event, Crookwell paying the local high school a visit with the pop-up, a striking and colourful display at Blacktown (as seen in the picture), and Gordon Library providing an interactive QR-code quiz on alcohol and other drugs for HSC students. Libraries have also been partnering with local Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) and organisations such as Family Drug Support to deliver important information sessions and other events.
Public libraries hold a unique place in Australian
society as places of community, culture and information. Look out for the Drug
& Alcohol Info Pop-Up at a library near you soon.
For free and confidential advice 24/7 you can call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015. Counsellors are available to provide information, referrals, crisis counselling and support. Or start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm.
