Social Services in Libraries Program

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Social Services in Libraries Program (SSLP) is a multipronged approach to offering improved and targeted library and social services for the populations of the community at highest risk of food, housing, and employment insecurities and homelessness. Libraries serve as the community “third space”, offering free and safe access to computers, information, and public programming that allows participants to engage in a social, informal, and educational environment. As such, the SSLP enhances the capacity of Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) to address the specific needs of at-risk populations through a unified package of activities and services. The program was instituted at the two MDPLS libraries with the highest populations of individuals experiencing homelessness, Main Library and Miami Beach Regional Library. One of MDPLS’s Strategic Goals is to “Explore and develop new and greater partnership opportunities with … social services organizations … to support, enhance and expand the library’s programs, services, and spaces, bridge gaps in services, and maximize the potential for reaching new audiences.” The SSLP is fulfilling this goal. The program is a collaborative effort with MDPLS, Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) – the local multi-type library cooperative –, and other community organizations functioning as service providers and partners. Some of the diverse SSLP event topics include job and workforce placement, access to government-sponsored mobile phone services, and health awareness for STD and HIV prevention. The SSLP has directly impacted 175 library patrons who have participated in one or more of six library events since its inception in late 2019.