Although their original purpose was simply to offer an assortment of books (back when the United States’ oldest public library opened its doors in 1743!), public libraries have evolved to meet the general needs of the communities they serve. This includes free internet access, makerspaces to embrace creativity, and even resources to access social services through partnerships with local and federal organizations.
Although their original purpose was simply to offer an assortment of books (back when the United States’ oldest public library opened its doors in 1743!), public libraries have evolved to meet the general needs of the communities they serve. This includes free internet access, makerspaces to embrace creativity, and even resources to access social services through partnerships with local and federal organizations.
Here are a few examples of how your local library may help connect you with social services in your area:
Social Services Kiosks
More and more public libraries in Georgia now feature social services kiosks to make it easier for residents to check in on and update their social security benefits. The kiosks are entirely self-serviced, so patrons can simply log onto the kiosk, do what they need to do, and log off without having to jump through the hoops of setting up an appointment and waiting for hours in an office.
At the time of writing, the services that can be managed through the kiosks are:
- Medicaid
- PeachCare for Kids
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
This robust selection can significantly reduce the time spent working with social services, which can be difficult to fit around one’s work schedule or other responsibilities.
Videoconferencing Kiosks
Over in Cleveland, librarians and lawmakers alike noticed an increasingly common issue: Many renters were unable to make their rent payments and didn’t have the means to attend their eviction hearings, especially during 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic. To remedy this, Cleveland libraries partnered with the local housing court to install videoconferencing kiosks in libraries throughout the area.
These kiosks were placed deliberately based on eviction rates, ensuring they would always be available to the people who needed them most. They’ve already been making a difference, allowing countless families to access virtual hearings that they may have had difficulty attending in person.
College Social Work Programs
To help both citizens and students alike, the New Jersey State Library partnered with Rutgers University to set up a program allowing senior and grad students to work in internships at public libraries. The students gain practical, hands-on experience while library patrons gain the benefits of access to a social worker.
The increased accessibility of services has allowed people who might not have used them before to take advantage of them. This collaboration has benefited not only the libraries but also the entire community in numerous ways, and it will continue to do so for many years to come.