Photo from Halifax Public Libraries. Security officer Dayton Goree welcomes visitors to the central branch of the Halifax library.
IN THE LIBRARY What does a library social worker do? BY SHEENA JAMIESON, BSW, RSW
“A palace for the people” and “the community’s living room” are sometimes phrases used to describe the function and purpose of a public library. If you haven’t been inside one lately, you might not know how much they’ve changed. They aren’t muted stacks with shushing staff; they are lively and vibrant hubs of the community. There are books, yes, those are a constant. But there are also creative labs, cooking programs, performances, e-books, streaming services, light therapy lamps, musical instruments, and free snacks.
Free and accessible social infrastructure is key to community participation and inclusion, and a public library is one of the few public spaces you can be in for free.
You can eat there now.
Does this sound familiar? Social work and public library service are complementary professions, and are starting to work together more closely. Starting in 2009, the San Francisco
You can sleep at the library too, if you need to.
10 Connection | Winter 2021
Especially important for those whose lives are impacted by poverty, addiction, mental health struggles, homelessness, discrimination, oppression, and isolation. Removing barriers to information and meeting the relevant needs of the community is work libraries do every day.
