Academic Libraries as Healing Spaces: A Phenomenological Study of Students Mental Well-Being at Vel Nursing College, Chennai

Student mental health has emerged as a major issue in higher education in recent years. Traditionally thought of as knowledge repositories, academic libraries are becoming more often acknowledged as nurturing spaces that enhance students' mental health. The lived experiences of students utilising academic libraries as therapeutic places are examined in this qualitative research. Twelve undergraduate and graduate
students participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews to gather data using a phenomenological method. Important themes are telling here "sense of belonging," "silence as comfort," "library as an escape," and "structured environment reducing anxiety" were identified using thematic analysis. According to the results, Academic libraries are essential for improving mental health and reducing stress. To increase the healing power of books in libraries , The report recommends coordinating design and services according to benefits.