Elmhurst Library hires social services specialist

Providing social services is a growing trend in libraries across the country.

For many, the idea is long overdue, given the fact that public libraries are one of the few public spaces open to anyone in a community, based on a principled commitment to openness and inclusivity.

As in any community, the Elmhurst Public Library provides a neutral space for community members to come in, gather information and explore.

Earlier this year, Tracey Orick became Elmhurst Public Library's full-time social services specialist after the library spent more than a year evaluating the benefits of social workers in a library setting.

Elmhurst began testing the waters of providing more direct access to social services by arranging internship opportunities for Aurora University students pursuing social work degrees in the spring of 2018. So far, five students have participated in internships at the library.

This collaboration has provided students real-world experience while allowing the library the opportunity to gather valuable information about issues on the minds of community members.

"The library is a public building where anyone is welcome to come in and find information or resources to help improve or enhance their lives. Access to social services in the library is a continuation of that philosophy," Orick says.

As a result of a Social Services Needs Assessment conducted in 2018, community members' survey responses revealed that individuals in the community face challenges such as unemployment, food insecurity, or domestic violence.

"In my experience," Orick says, "there has been a high percentage of senior citizens who are seeking employment assistance. In most cases, they are looking to re-enter the workforce, usually in a part-time capacity."

Orick says the library could be the first step in tackling an online application process. Beyond that, she can refer patrons to nearby centers with resources appropriate to their needs.

Orick and the social work interns can connect patrons with a variety of services for food, mental health, housing, substance abuse, employment, Social Security, benefits and domestic issues.

The library's referral-based model allows patrons to consult with Orick on a one-on-one basis in a neutral setting outside the stigma some may feel in a traditional social services setting.

"The community can think of me as the first go-to," she says. "Then I can refer them out."

Anyone experiencing temporary or ongoing challenges may meet with Orick during her office hours for one-on-one consultation and referrals on the second floor in Study Room 4.5.

Social work office hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Mondays; 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

For details, call Orick at (630) 279-8696 or email her at Tracey.Orick@elmlib.org.

Appointments are recommended, but not required.