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Libraries to hire social worker to help patrons facing housing instability, staff says
Summary
Buncombe County Libraries plan to hire a full-time library social worker to replace a contracted caseworker role at PAC Memorial Library, aiming to provide on-site resource navigation and link patrons to housing and social services.
Jason Hyatt, speaking for the county libraries, said the system will recruit a full-time library social worker to be based at PAC Memorial Library to coordinate with the library safety associate and community partners on housing instability and other needs.
"For fiscal year 27, we were grateful to county leadership and commissioners for approving a new position for us, which is a full time library social worker," Hyatt said, describing the position's role in making warm handoffs to organizations such as Homeward Bound and in supporting patrons who lack a permanent address.
Hyatt said the county estimated the cost comparison between contracting the service and hiring a full-time employee and believes that the staff position (including benefits) will deliver broader coverage and value than the previous 20-hour-a-week contract.
Library staff said recruitment is underway and that the position will be supported by interagency partnerships and a growing network of library social workers across North Carolina.
