Library Social Worker
One-on-one assistance and expert referral.
If You Need Immediate Help
If you or someone you care for is experiencing a mental health crisis that requires immediate attention:
- Dial 911
- Call or Text the Minnesota Crisis Line (free, available 24/7):
- Text MN to 741741 or dial **274747
- Dial 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you are in crisis, please contact:
- For Children: Children’s Crisis Resources, opens a new window
- For Adults: Adult Crisis Resources, opens a new window
Talk to the Library Social Worker
Who is the Library Social Worker?
Saint Paul Public Library partners with People Incorporated to embed one full-time social worker in library spaces. The social worker is available to guide patrons in connecting with community resources that meet their unique needs. They are highly knowledgeable about public, private, and government organizations that can assist patrons.
What can I expect from a meeting with the Library Social Worker?
The library social worker is available to meet with you one-on-one by appointment at your preferred SPPL location, via telephone, or email, to determine what agencies or resources are able to meet your needs, or without an appointment at weekly drop-in hours at the following library locations:
Social Work Drop-In Hours
George Latimer Central Library, 90 W. 4th Street
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Rondo Library, 461 N. Dale Street
- Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Dayton's Bluff Library, 645 E. 7th Street
- 1st and 3rd Fridays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Sun Ray Library, 2105 Wilson Avenue
- 2nd and 4th Fridays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
What types of topics can they help me with?
The social worker is equipped to help with the following topics:
- Shelter and housing options
- Community Resources
- Mental health resources and services
- Food / SNAP benefits
- Government and community resources
- Legal resources
What else should I know?
Conversations with the library social worker specialists are confidential, with a few exceptions:
- When consulting with their supervisor and team members as a means to ensure excellent service to our patrons.
- If a patron mentions harm to themselves or others to ensure safety for all.
- If served with a lawful court order or subpoena.
The embedded social worker can complete a comprehensive evaluation to refer you to additional mental health services within People Incorporated or to external social service agencies.
Request an Appointment with the Library Social Worker
To learn more about this program, check out Saint Paul Public Library's most recent Impact Reports.
