St. Louis County Library Introduces Social Workers at 5 Branches

St. Louis County Library, in partnership with the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund and Epworth Children & Family Services, will launch the Community Resource Initiative in May 2023. The program will bring social workers to five SLCL branches to help remove barriers of accessing social services. The program will provide referrals to trusted community partners, case management and individualized assistance for patrons of all ages. Information on how to schedule an appointment is available at www.slcl.org/using-the-library/social-worker-services or by calling 314-994-3300.  

Social workers are available at the following branches: Florissant Valley, Lewis & Clark, Natural Bridge, Rock Road and Weber Road. Office hours are held Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. with limited hours on select Saturdays. Individuals needing assistance can show up at any participating branch, appointments will also be accepted. SLCL is the first library system in the St. Louis region to offer social workers. 

Participating branches:

Florissant Valley Branch, 195 New Florissant Rd., S., Florissant, MO 63031

Lewis & Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63136

Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Rd. St. Louis, MO 63121

Rock Road Branch, 10267 St. Charles Rock Road St. Ann, MO 63074

Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber Rd. St. Louis, MO 63123

Library social workers are hired as contractors through Epworth. They will provide mental health support and crisis intervention for library patrons in need. These services will include referrals to organizations who can assist with accessing food, housing, employment, counseling, emergency shelter, substance use treatment programs, and child abuse and neglect prevention support. The social workers will also train Library employees in crisis management, trauma-informed practice, and de-escalation techniques.

Kristen Sorth, St. Louis County Library Director & CEO said, “Having social workers at the Library will be a perfect complement to our amazing employees. Many people come to the library looking for answers, information and compassion. Adding social workers, strengthens and expands our ability to support individuals and connect them with community resources.”  

“St. Louis County Library branches are an invaluable resource for many families in the region as children and families facing food insecurity, homelessness, unemployment, mental health issues, substance use and other crises are regular visitors at the library. Bringing in social workers through the Community Resource Initiative will not only allow them to connect directly with the public, but they will also teach the library employees invaluable skills to aid in their daily work,” said CSF Executive Director Emily Koenig.

Laura Wilson, Epworth Chief Development Officer, said, “Epworth Children & Family Services is excited to work with St. Louis County Library to house social workers in 5 of their locations to meet the needs of the general public. This new and innovative program will provide behavioral health assessments, crisis management, and referral services to library patrons.”

This initiative builds upon SLCL’s previous work of connecting patrons with food, diapers, and hygiene assistance, and ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness through programming and partnerships such as the Community Wellness Hubs presented with BJC Healthcare. 

The program is funded in part through a grant from the Children’s Service Fund (CSF). Additional support for the program comes from the Berges Family Foundation, Incarnate Word Foundation, and the St. Louis County Library Foundation.

Media inquiries should be directed to SLCL Communications Manager, Jennifer McBride at jmcbride@slcl.org or 314-994-3300 ext. 2250.