Posted on 01 May 2024 by Chris Brown.
Medicine Hat Public Library has had a social worker in the library since 2021, and in that time some people have questioned if having a social worker on site attracts more problems than it solves.
Krystal Eirich answers that in just one sentence.
“I’m meeting the needs of the community where the needs are already at,” she says.
The library is a community hub, an open space that welcomes everyone and provides essential services to all. Social workers are an integral part of that, and Eirich doesn’t think people understand the scope of clients she sees. Over the past year she’s seen an average of 35 unique clients each month ranging from 18 to 84 years old and helped with everything from advocacy on their behalf to community resource navigation.
“I don’t think people realize that it’s literally their neighbours who are coming in,” she says.
Visit mhpl.shortgrass.ca and click Connect with a Social Worker under the “I Want To…” tab for more information.
Funding for the Library's Social Work and Casual Cash Employment programs is provided by the Medicine Hat Community Housing Society.
Follow us on social media: @mhpubliclibrary