Libraries are more than just book depositories—they are vibrant community hubs, one of the last free public places where anyone is welcome.
In recent years, library workers have been facing a myriad of difficulties in their role, mitigating conflicts among patrons, and supporting individuals facing homelessness, mental health, and substance use issues, and more. Specialized training in trauma-informed librarianship and mental health first aid can equip librarians to rise to the challenges they face in their work today (Grimes, N. D., 2024).
Margaret Ann Paauw, PhD, LCSW, LMSW, is a leading voice in the emerging field of library social work, authoring the book Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries published by the Public Library Association. Dr. Paauw shares her perspective on how library workers can play a role in supporting community mental health.
Q: What inspired you to create this resource for library professionals that offers a trauma-informed lens through which to navigate difficult situations in public libraries?
Margaret Ann Paauw (MAP): Throughout my work in public libraries, I noticed that library workers were overwhelmed by things that we see all the time as social workers. But social workers receive educational preparation and ongoing training, whereas library professionals do not. Library staff were desperate for learning opportunities to better serve their patrons and communities. I realized that public library workers could benefit from utilizing social work “soft skills”, such as building rapport, active listening, self-reflection, etc., so the focus of this book is on providing resources for developing and utilizing those skills within a public library context.
Q: How are librarians facing the impacts of trauma and mental health in their work today?
MAP: Libraries are what we call “third places,” which are spaces that are outside of homes, workplaces, and schools where social interactions and community occur. Other examples of a third place include parks, cafés, and so on. In our society, free third places—places where you can spend time without having to pay—are dwindling, making libraries some of the last truly public spaces. With wealth inequities widening, social services shrinking, and the general lack of affordable housing in the United States, libraries are picking up this slack. Libraries are seeing an increase in patrons experiencing poverty, unemployment, mental health struggles, etc. Not only are public librarians and library staff expected to perform their traditional duties, but they are also expected to juggle these responsibilities and navigate daily situations involving patrons who are in great need. Many library degree programs do not focus on mental health or prepare librarians to work with people experiencing the effects of poverty, so many librarians are learning on the job. The main inspiration behind this book was to provide librarians with tools to help manage their day-to-day roles and responsibilities.
Q: What difficult situations are arising in public libraries post-pandemic? How has the function and dynamic of public library work shifted in recent years?
MAP: I believe that discussing the pandemic is a crucial aspect in understanding the current landscape. During the pandemic, many libraries remained open. When the DMV, Social Security, and Department of Health and Human Services offices were all closed, many libraries across the country were open. The library where I worked during that time was only closed from the end of March through the beginning of May 2020, barely even six weeks. During this time, library staff were exposed not only to COVID themselves but also to patrons who were experiencing social isolation and the trauma of losing loved ones. Research has shown that the number one trigger of mental health symptoms is isolation, so when the libraries opened back up and were the only places people could go, the trauma of the pandemic came with them. I think it is important to keep in mind how pandemic-related trauma has impacted, and still impacts, public library workers.
Q: How do you see libraries evolving as a space for supporting mental health?
MAP: I believe that because libraries are third places, they are uniquely positioned to provide low-barrier, easily accessible services, whatever that might look like. Libraries have been partnering with social service agencies and healthcare agencies to meet these needs for decades, but in 2009, the first official library social work partnership was formed. Library social work largely focuses on providing assistance to individual patrons, providing staff training and consultation, and collaborating with local community partners. Though library social work doesn’t provide traditional clinical services, such as individual therapy, social workers can connect and assist individuals in navigating health and mental healthcare. Library social work has been rapidly growing, and there are currently around 60 full-time social workers and 150+ social work student interns in public libraries across the country. Based on my professional experience and my research focus, I anticipate this practice will continue to grow.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from this discussion on libraries and mental health?
MAP: I think the main takeaway for general readers is to support your local library. Libraries provide more resources than you think and are battling a lot, including the spread of general misinformation, federal and state-level defunding, politicized book bans, and more. Libraries are not just about books; they are community anchors, third places, places to learn, and hubs for receiving not only information but also support. In addition, they are also on the frontlines of battling community members’ trauma, poverty, and lack of access to resources, particularly post-pandemic, being exposed to mental health crises, and extreme poverty. Whether we like it or not, local public libraries are where the buck actually stops when other institutions fail to take care of the most marginalized in our communities.
For library workers: we see you and we stand with you. Thank you for all the incredible work you do: this book is for you.
