Social workers in public libraries:

An emerging area of practice that develops referral pathways

Librarianship in North America is becoming increasingly more holistic with staff continuing to advocate for open, equitable access to resources and information, responsive service and awareness of needs. 

Created to empower and advocated for vulnerable groups while building trusting, helping relationships, with customers, patrons and clients, public library social workers are both connecting people with cross agency services while furthering the library’s role as a human service organization. 

Since November 2022, the Central Library in downtown Hamilton, Ontario has become a “first port of call” for people who are unclear of how, and where, to access available social services. 

Background
Many Hamilton Public Library (HPL) staff at the 23 branches and bookmobiles in the system found people entering their library doors asking for information about complex health and social issues. “We were frequently asked about housing and food insecurity, language and immigration matters, income pressures and mental health challenges, suggests Sarah Gauthier, Manager of Central Information Services with Hamilton Public Libraries.

Knowing that San Francisco introduced the first social worker in a public library in 2009 and other libraries had successfully followed suit, Hamilton Public Health Services, Mental health and Outreach Services and Hamilton Public Library (HPL) developed their own program. 

Meet the person where they are
The goal was to place two library social workers on the first floor of the library where they are visible and readily accessible. Their job was to remove systemic barriers by advocating and make it easier for folks to get the community services they needed. “It’s a preventative role that includes helping folks get access housing, food, employment and harm reduction service resources. Social workers are trained in supportive listening, crisis intervention counselling, de-escalation of disruptive behaviours and trauma support” claims Kianosh Kayvani, a Clinical Resource Co-ordinator with the City of Hamilton’s Mental Health and Street Outreach Program. “The social work team has also trained to library staff on how best to deal with a crisis when it occurs.” 

Program research and expansion
In order to determine the effectiveness of the program, researchers have now been asked to study and document both short- and long-term outcomes and engage and interview different library members and community stakeholders to receive feedback. “Ultimately,” says Kayvani, this social work project at HPL should meets its intended outcomes so as to inform decision-making about the program’s future design and sustainability. This work is especially important as HPL is piloting a second social work program at its Barton Branch.”

Role of libraries
With the provision of community services like WiFi hotspots, home library services, bookmobile shelter outreach, coffee and conversation sessions and library space being used for learning opportunities, it’s no surprise that the placement of  social workers in libraries is not only trending but making its mark.

Co-authored by Sarah Gauthier, a Manager of Central Information Services with HPL, and Kianosh Keyvani, a Clinical Resource Co-ordinator with the City of Hamilton’s Mental Health and Street Outreach Program.