FAQs

Samie can meet with patrons during scheduled tabling hours in branches on a walk-in basis. If a patron arrives before tabling hours, they can request a meeting at the desk. If for any reason the tabling hours offered are insufficient, a meeting can be scheduled over phone or email between the patron and Samie on an as-needed basis.  

CONTACT INFO 

Samie can be reached by email at siverson@tacomalibrary.org or in person while tabling in TPL’s branches. LIBRARY SOCIAL WORKER TABLING SCHEDULE 

No, the library does not distribute resources, but our social worker can connect you with organizations that do.

Public libraries in urban centers have been adding social workers to their staff over the past decade, starting with San Francisco Public Library. Library social work has become a promising practice in bringing support to library workers and embedding needed supports for library patrons. For Tacoma, the library social worker is available in branch to connect, listen to a patron’s situation, help with resource navigation, and work through presenting needs on a case-by-case basis. The social worker connects with TPL staff, supports internal TPL efforts and opportunities for staff as needed, and builds relationships with key community partners.