ACLA’s Social Work in Libraries Program has grown by leaps and bounds this year. We’ve expanded our reach from seven communities to eleven, and our Fellows have been hard at work. From September through December they logged a combined total of 400 individual patron interactions, and an additional 444 interactions related to group programming and events. Over the coming months we’ll be featuring each of the unique and talented individuals who comprise our Fellowship and who are making a difference in our communities.
–Katrina Mink, BSW/MSW, Social Work in Libraries Program Coordinator
Kelly King (she/her), Millvale Community Library
What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?
I graduated with my BASW from Pitt in 2019, and have worked in the field since.
What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills have helped with your placement?
I enjoy meeting new people and I love the idea of comfortable, welcoming community spaces. I have been a library supporter my whole life.
Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?
It gave a wonderful opportunity to challenge and grow my community social work skills.
What projects/services are you implementing in your placement?
We are starting a clothing swap, computer class, reference guide, walk-in hours, and more, and providing support to programs already in existence.
How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?
Social workers can work alongside the experienced staff in a library to provide whole-person services and assistance. Libraries are constantly evolving.
Calvin Ecker (they/them), Cooper-Siegel Community Library – Sharpsburg
What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?
I’m in my fifth year here at the University of Pittsburgh and my placement at Sharpsburg Community Library is part of my senior year. I am getting a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BASW) with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS).
What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills have helped with your placement?
Way back in high school, my passion for social justice was born. I led the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at my high school for two years and had amazing opportunities to network around the city in LGBTQ+ activist spaces. That passion still exists now and was one of the driving forces behind me starting Lavender Club, an LGBTQ+ teen program at the library. I also was born and raised and now go to college here in Pittsburgh, so my love of the city and all its neighborhoods really motivates me to give back to a city that has given me so much.
Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?
So, I am the only undergraduate social work intern! The program recently opened up to undergrads and after a few months of only finding dead ends when it came to desirable field placements, this one was so welcome. I’ve loved libraries for as long as I can remember and they’ve played such an important role in my upbringing. I was also attracted to this placement because previously I had no idea that social workers can exist at libraries!
What projects/services are you implementing in your placement?
I help facilitate the kid’s art programs on Wednesdays, as well as teen programming on Thursdays. I’ve also coordinated two food distributions through the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. One was in October and the next is in December. The October distribution reached over 100 community members! I am also starting Lavender Club, a program for LGBTQ+ teens.
How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?
Libraries are the first place that folks come to when they need resources. So why should those resources stop at books and computers? Social workers in libraries can serve as point persons for resources that have to do with harm reduction, housing, LGBTQ+ topics, food insecurity and so much more.
Lizzie Ballantyne (she/her), Monroeville Public Library
What was your educational and work background prior to your placement
I received my undergraduate degree in Sociology from Duquesne University. During my senior year, I worked at Hello Neighbor, a local nonprofit that works with refugees in our Pittsburgh community. I am continuing to work there during my MSW.
What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills have helped with your placement?
My experiences at Hello Neighbor have helped me to look at all situations with a lens of empathy. Also making sure to maintain cultural competency and understanding that everyone has their own experiences that create their current narrative.
Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?
Growing up, my mom and I bonded over going to the library and it was a place I always felt at home in. I see the value in the library as a free public resource for communities and thought that if I could bring my knowledge it would be a great way to gain experience and help others.
What projects/services are you implementing in your placement?
Currently, I am working on a survey to assess the needs of the families that come to our library. I am working on getting free menstrual products in our bathrooms for our patrons. Additionally, I am conducting a survey to see what foreign language needs there are in our community that the library can assist with.
How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?
Many patrons have goals they need assistance reaching and having a social worker in the library is a great way to add more knowledge to the experience. Social workers can help libraries by connecting them to more resources in the community while addressing the needs of their patrons.
Annie Rummell (she/her), Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale
What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?
Though my undergraduate degree is in accounting, I began working in social services as a victim advocate for several years before starting school this semester and starting my library placement
What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills have helped with your placement?
I’m a lover of books and information, plus my experience in crisis work, customer service, resources, and more helps me help community members and patrons with concerns or issues of all kinds
Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?
I love reading, so I’ve always been a fan of libraries. I think libraries also offer one of the last fully free, low-barrier community resources, and I’m so happy to be a part of the community in this way
What projects/services are you implementing in your placement?
I am in the process of surveying the community in order to plan some support group offerings based on their interests, and in the very beginning stages of planning a larger community event for the spring.
How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?
By offering resources, helping clients who may be experiencing a crisis of some kind, and helping to be the emotional support for community members in need.