Innovative Approaches to Supporting Underserved Populations: Insights from NC Libraries

As libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of their communities, some have taken innovative steps to support underserved populations by adding social workers to their staff. In this panel discussion, representatives from four different libraries will share their experiences and insights on how they’ve integrated social work into their services. One library will also highlight the development of a literacy program aimed at supporting adult basic education needs.

This discussion offers a unique opportunity to learn how libraries are getting creative in addressing the varied needs of their communities, from providing social services to fostering literacy.

Learning Outcomes:
- Explore the Integration of Social Work in Libraries: Participants will gain insights into how different libraries have successfully added social workers to their staff and the impact this has had on their communities.
- Learn About Literacy Programs for Adult Education: Attendees will hear about the development and implementation of a literacy program designed to support adult basic education at Neuse Regional Library, including challenges faced and successes achieved.
- Discover Creative Solutions for Supporting Underserved Populations: The session will provide participants with practical ideas and strategies that libraries can adopt to better serve the unique needs of underserved populations in their own communities.

Panelists:

• LaCretia Keith is the Social Worker and Program Manager for New Hanover County Public Library. LaCretia is the first social worker in a library setting in this area and has been asked for assistance from other counties with developing their program, writing out the job description, and sitting in on job interviews. She has over 20 years of experience as a social worker, starting in community-based services to school-based settings and DSS. 
   
• Angi Polito is the Community Navigator Lead with the Randolph County Public Libraries. Angi has over 25 years of experience as a social worker. She developed and implemented the Community Navigator program, which assists residents of Randolph County through all seven of their libraries to connect with needed resources in their home community.
   
• Justin Stout is the Head of Information Services at Neuse Regional Libraries, which serves Lenoir, Jones, and Greene Counties in Eastern North Carolina. He is a graduate of Duke University and North Carolina Central University and his professional interests include emerging technologies, digital equity, and digital literacy.
   
• Jenny Gerami-Markham is the Assistant Director at Catawba County Public Libraries and has a strong belief in the important work of libraries. Her career in libraries began as a school library media coordinator, and after 13 years in the school system, she transitioned to public libraries. She is continually inspired by the creativity, empathy, and generosity of library staff, social workers, interns, and volunteers. Her goal is to support and empower them in making the library a welcoming space where everyone has the opportunity to connect, explore, and grow.

This event is brought to you via the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia.