Montreal public health says the current overdose situation in the city is affecting a range of ages and backgrounds. There were a record 175 fatal overdoses over the last year, and new data shows 77 per cent of them happened at home.
As more Quebecers come to libraries for services not found on the shelf, some librarians are calling for Montreal to follow the lead of other Canadian cities and hire social workers.
Montreal libraries have long served as custodians of the written word, but many are shelving conventionality and expanding their collections to feature more unusual items. They're swapping the "Shhh!" for the shuffle of board game pieces and even the strumming of guitars. Beyond the typical bookshelves, you can check out instruments, games and even outdoor recreational equipment.