Libraries in Australia: Evolving Community Hubs

Libraries across Australia are becoming safe havens for vulnerable individuals, leading some to hire social workers to better support their communities. These spaces, traditionally known for books and learning, are evolving into vital community hubs offering refuge, digital access, and essential human connections.

With rising costs of living, public libraries are witnessing an influx of individuals struggling with issues such as poverty, mental health challenges, addiction, and homelessness. Dr. Jane Garner, an associate professor at Charles Sturt University, highlights that libraries serve as a microcosm of society, where the challenges of the broader community inevitably surface. Libraries are among the few public places that remain open and welcoming to all, making them crucial support points for those in need.

Government services, banks, and post offices have increasingly moved their operations online, leaving many individuals without adequate face-to-face assistance. Libraries have stepped in to fill this gap, providing guidance on completing forms, resetting passwords, and navigating digital platforms. However, this added responsibility places additional pressure on library staff, who are not trained to handle such complex social issues.

Garner’s research indicates that nearly half of library workers have reported feeling unsafe at work due to instances of aggression, violence, and harassment. Libraries are responding to these challenges by hiring social workers, such as Lizzie Flaherty, South Australia’s first library social worker. Flaherty’s role encompasses direct support for visitors experiencing crises and training for library staff on engaging with vulnerable individuals effectively.

Libraries across Australia are transforming in various ways. Many now remain open during extreme weather to offer shelter, host community events, and provide diverse resources beyond books, including bakeware, board games, tools, and toys. The Salisbury Community Hub in Adelaide, for example, offers courses on clothing repairs, quiet spaces for neurodiverse individuals, and bill assistance programs. These initiatives demonstrate libraries’ commitment to evolving alongside community needs.

Despite their significance, only a handful of libraries in Australia currently employ social workers. Garner estimates that just seven public libraries have integrated this role, though the need for such services is evident. Social workers not only assist those in crisis but also act as intermediaries, equipping library staff with the skills to manage difficult situations effectively.

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