Social Work Resources at Tacoma Public Library
A Social Worker at the Library
Tacoma Public Library added a staff social worker in January 2024. Library patrons can meet with our social worker at a library to receive counsel and get connected to services in the community. TPL’s social worker is knowledgeable about community organizations that can help patrons with mental health, shelter or housing, and much more.
Ways to Reach the TPL Social Worker
Contact the Social Worker
Stop by a library to connect with Tacoma Public Library's social worker. Social Worker Samie Iverson, MSW, can listen and assist patrons with resource navigation for a variety of needs related to housing, shelter, domestic violence, VA, employment, behavioral health, McKinney Vento or student support, and more. See all upcoming dates at times to visit with Samie on our events calendar.
You can also email Samie at siverson@tacomalibrary.org.
Social Worker FAQs
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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
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No, the library does not distribute resources, but our social worker can connect you with organizations that do.
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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.