In Gainesville, FL,"The Library Partnership" Merges Branch, Social Services
Building aims to promote welfare of children
Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 07/22/2009
- Shared space makes program participation easier
- Library instigated partnership idea
- Egovernment crucial in Florida
The newest 7500 square foot branch in the Alachua County Library District (ACLD), Gaine
sville, FL, has a unique name that matches its mission: "The Library Partnership--A Neighborhood Resource Center." Along with 4500 square feet devoted to the library, the facility houses offices for a variety of social programs.
The project is based on research showing the negative impact of foster care on children when they become adults, so the goal is to keep children with their families.
Library, agencies, share space, agenda
ACLD, working with the local division of the state's Department of Children and Families, the Partnership for Strong F
amilies, and Casey Family Programs, developed the facility to be used as a one-stop resource. The space also provides for a rotating network of approximately 30 agencies dedicated to child welfare.
ACLD does more than share space with community agencies; it reinforces their messages. The library lobby has space for table displays, where agencies can set up and promote their services. ACLD offers a full slate of related programs; a typical day includes three--a healthy families play group, pandemic flu class, and parenting wisely lecture.
ACLD director Sol Hirsch came up with the idea while attending an October 2008 meeting with the Esther Tibbs, area director of the Florida Department of Family and Children's Services, he told LJ. The question became, "Why didn't we do this before?" ACLD already has established a program at one branch that makes it easier for parents to apply for food stamps.
Crucial egovernment role
The library will play a critical role in helping people access crucial services and information available only via egovernment, a distinct priority among Florida agencies. Staffers offer onsite assistance with accessing the online forms and applications used by many of the organizations providing services at the center. ACLD also will provide homework help, GED, and literacy classes in the fall.
ACLD staff is experienced in offering egovernment assistance, said Hirsch. The library system is finis
hing up an Library Services and Technology Aid (LSTA)-funded study that assesses surrounding rural communities without "appropriate telecommunication services," said Hirsch, and trains libraries to offer such assistance.
Unbudgeted funds found
The grand opening this month capped an intense planning effort of less than a year, no mean feat for an unbudgeted facility.
"We found a way to get the money," said Hirsch. ACLD used some reserve funds, reallocated other money, and successfully lobbied for a $93,000 mid-year LSTA grant. ACLD Friends kicked in $11,000 worth of materials. Luckily, ACLD had some unassigned staff who could work at the new facility, as another branch was closed for renovation.
