The New Hanover County Public Library system offers opportunities to expand the mind. Whether that means checking out a book, catching up on current events, watching a film or even borrowing an educational tool from the Library of Things, there are countless horizons to explore. 
 
But sometimes, the answers are a little harder to find because the questions are more difficult to ask. Are there resources to help pay rent? What kind of legal counsel is needed for a specific situation? Who offers help with mental or substance use disorder issues? 
 
Sometimes, a book, periodical or website with this kind of information can be tough or even impossible to locate, especially if someone is searching on their own. 
 

LaCretia Keith, our Social Worker for the Public Library, has become a trusted ally for people facing difficult questions such as these. Her knowledge of available resources and commitment to addressing the needs of our community have made a significant impact for our residents. 
 
For this month’s Public Service Profile, I spoke to LaCretia about her role in the Public Library system and what it means to assist those who need a little help in finding the answers they seek. That conversation is below … 
 
LaCretia, when we think of staff at our county’s public libraries, I don’t know if a social worker comes to mind for many people. Tell me a little about your role, how it came to be and what you enjoy most about the work you do. 
 
This role was developed in response to the frequent number of library visitors either being unsheltered or having mental and/or physical disabilities and needing resources. While our librarians are trained to do a wide variety of things, they were unsure how to assist these individuals aside from basic internet information searches. I am here to assist them and take some of the weight off their shoulders. 
 
The first thing I saw that the library needed was a community resource guide that could inform departments across our organization and other groups in the county of where to access resources like rental assistance or substance abuse treatment providers. I have helped people do a plethora of things such as applying for social programs, like Medicaid or Food Stamps. I’ve seen moms who are overwhelmed with the responsibilities of young children and I’ve stepped in and connected them with assistance to things like parenting classes, finding affordable housing, finding food and clothing. I also provide counseling and link people with substance abuse and mental health treatment just to name a few. 
 
Recently, I started a program I am very proud of called “Libraries for All,” which offers activities such as story time and crafts for adults who have developmental or intellectual disabilities. We have so much amazing programming for kids, teens, and seniors, but nothing that was tailored for this population, which I thought was important to add. It’s been a success and has allowed them to make friends while being comfortable in an environment designed for their needs. I also helped create an Expungement Workshop once a month which helps people who need legal advice for record expungement. Sometimes those resources can be hard to connect with and I’m grateful that my supervisor has allowed me to create that opportunity. What I enjoy most about my job is that every day is different, so it never gets boring and my supervisor allows me to be creative and develop programs that really make a difference. 
 
Helping people sounds like a passion for you, and that’s certainly ingrained in your position. Describe what success looks like to you when working with a community member. What’s it like to see people get connected with the resources they need?
 
Success to me is when a client is receptive to help and when they meet me halfway, rather than relying on me to do it all or wave a magic wand and fix all their problems. A lot of people come here with the “what do you have to offer me” mindset and I have to explain to them that we can work on this together. If you take an inch, I will go the extra mile. Change simply doesn’t occur because you met me. I don’t have all the answers, but I am a believer in the idea that once you change your way of thinking things for you will change. 
 
When I’m able to help people get the resources they need, it makes me happy and reminds me that I’m doing what God wants me to do which is to be a helper and be of service. I’ve had several people call me or send letters thanking me for saving their lives by getting them into substance abuse treatment programs or for delivering food or diapers to their home. Those are the moments that you know truly matter. 
 
I think a lot of times we see the library as the place to go for a book or movie, but the work you do takes it beyond physical resources that someone can check out and return. For people who are just learning that your service exists, what do you want them to know? Who should reach out for your help and how can they do that? 
 
I’m not just at the library in downtown Wilmington. I provide services at all our library branches and throughout the community. I also want people to know that I don’t have the actual resources on-hand, meaning I don’t directly provide money for rent or utilities, but I can help link them with organizations that might be able to assist if they have funds available. But sometimes finding resources to assist can take time.  I understand that sometimes needs are urgent, and people can get upset or frustrated because they want help right now. Anyone can reach out to me for help, I assist social workers within the county, as well as with other organizations, and I believe we have to work together to be the change that we want to see.
 
I want to thank LaCretia for the work she does to help guide people in our community to critical resources and address their needs. Our libraries are a great place to learn, but they can clearly be so much more and we’re grateful to have someone so dedicated to this work on our team. 
 
If you would like to learn more about LaCretia’s work or connect with her, visit the Library Social Worker page linked here.