Relates to state financial aid for library social work services

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Siela Bynoe says this is needed

It is the intent of this Legislature to place social workers in libraries to assist people who need access to greater resources and social services assistance than what is currently available at a library without a social worker. Libraries are friendly, hospitable, and restful public spaces where people from a wide variety of backgrounds and all walks of life gather to learn, connect with others, and read. Libraries provide an essential public good by connecting communities with opportu- nities to upskill, seek education, and learn about resources to support basic needs. People view libraries as safe spaces for rest and learning, where they can receive vital services for free. Libraries offer respite for all community members, including the most vulnerable in our communities. This includes those who are unhoused, those who cannot afford to cool their homes during the summer, and those without broadband internet access. As such, libraries are often the first to identify emerging community issues as residents seek guidance and help from the library. Many library patrons have needs that cannot be met by existing library resources. Many needs extend beyond the scope of work of librarians, who despite their best intentions to serve, are not trained nor equipped to meet the wide range of social services challenges being faced by patrons. These needs include housing assistance, mental health services, and help accessing other social services. The co-location of social workers in Libraries connects people who need assistance with the work- ers who can help them. Placing social workers in libraries will increase access to social services for those who need it the most and will ensure better community health and wellbeing. Furthermore, by creating dedicated funding for library social workers, libraries can serve the social services needs of the community without having to pull funding from other vital services such as buying books, developing programming, and maintaining the upkeep of their library buildings. This bill would establish a social work services program for libraries and library systems within economically disadvantaged communi- ties to employ social workers and social worker supervisors or contract with local nonprofits/departments of social services for social workers.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.