Libraries hire social workers to help homeless patrons


Public libraries once turned a blind eye to the homeless people using their spaces, but many libraries have now shifted into action mode by hiring social workers to help with behavioral health challenges of patrons. In Chicago, the library social workers are funded by Amita Health, a local hospital system. In San Francisco, site of the first library social worker in 2009, there have been 7000 connections made through this investment in the well-being of library patrons.

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