Montclair Library Now Has On-Site Social Worker Available To Public

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Need to meet with a social worker? Now you can do that at the Montclair Public Library.

On Thursday, the library announced that – starting immediately – members of the public can meet one-on-one with a social worker at the Montclair Public Library (main branch). The service is free, and can be reserved in advance or on a walk-in, first-come first-served basis.

People are free to “stop by to chat” or ask about college information, resources for emotional development and coping skills, job assistance, and time management. People can also get help finding community resources, completing applications for Social Security, SNAP, Medicaid/Medicare and other benefit programs, or getting an ID, birth certificate and other vital documents.

The social worker is available:

• Tuesdays: 4-6 p.m. (walk-ins)
• Tuesdays: 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m. (walk-ins or appointments)
• Wednesdays: 12-2 p.m. (walk-ins)
• Thursdays: 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:15 p.m. (walk-ins or appointments)
• 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month: 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m. (walk-ins or appointments)
• 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month: 12:30-2 p.m. (walk-ins)

According to a statement from the library:

“This service was first piloted from fall 2021 to spring 2023 with interns from Montclair State University’s Master of Social Work program. With funding secured for 2024 and 2025, the new social worker will enhance the library’s existing efforts and will connect with local agencies in addressing the overall health and wellness needs of the community, including its most at-risk members. The social worker will also train library staff, develop programs addressing equity and inclusion, and oversee the continuing partnership with Montclair State University.”

The social worker is funded by a grant from the Partners for Health Foundation. The grant was awarded to the Montclair Public Library Foundation at the end of 2023.

“Many of our Montclair neighbors visit the library for information, shelter, and a sense of community,” Partners for Health executive director Pam Scott said. “Partners for Health is pleased to support the social worker position and the library’s efforts to welcome all who seek assistance and guidance within their building.”

“Having a social worker on staff enables us to grow deeper into our role as a trusted information center and to respond to the community’s ever-changing needs,” library director Janet Torsney said.

“We are grateful to Partners for Health for making this expansion of services possible,” Torsney added.

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