Meet with Our Social Worker
The Racine Public Library’s social worker can connect you to resources related to housing, legal help, employment, education, crisis support, sexual assault, domestic violence, mental health, addiction, youth, applying for benefits and anything else you might need. All of these services are available to the public for free.
Update on hotspots: We’ve given out the last of the hotspots received through Racine County’s Closing the Digital Divide program. At this time, we will not be receiving more.
Needs assessments
Resource referrals
Advice
Simple translation
A friendly person to talk to
Services We Don’t Offer
- Mental health therapy. While our social worker help you get connected to a therapist, she is not a licensed therapist and can’t offer mental health therapy.
- Government phones. Our social worker can assist visitors with the government phone application, but she can’t complete the application for you and does not provide government phones.
Sensory Space
Our sensory room is a private, quiet self-care room full of stim toys and sensory installations like bubble tanks, scent diffusers, tactile wall toys, sensory lights, and more. Also includes a privacy screen and chair for nursing parents. Now available for booking.
Who can use the sensory space?
Anyone! The sensory installations have proven benefits for autistic people; people with PTSD, ADHD, dementia and other neurodivergences; children; and anyone experiencing stress or overwhelm.
Why social work?
For several years, we have observed a shift in the needs of community members as requests for services around homelessness, addiction, mental illness, domestic violence and other issues increased.
We piloted our social services in late 2019. The need for social workers’ presence in the library was evident from the volume of requests for referrals and direct counseling. Since then, we’ve transitioned from hosting social work interns to bringing our own social worker on staff to better meet the community’s needs.
Learn more:
Resources to explore
While you’re waiting for your appointment with our social worker, here’s some resources that might help you get closer to the answers you’re looking for.
- FindHelp.org — Enter your zip code to find nearby food pantries, financial assistance, medical care and other free or low-cost supports.
- RacineCountyFamilyResources.com — A local guide to resources and information for kids and families, as well as agencies that support them.
Library Social Worker
Make an Appointment
Location: In-person, Zoom or phone
Availability
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays 12:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Schedule changes: Changes to the social worker’s schedule will be communicated to all clients with appointments and posted at RacineLibrary.info/hours-locations.
How to book
- Call or text (262) 321-9458.
- Email [email protected].
- Stop by the library and ask.
Open Hours (Drop-Ins Only)
- Tuesdays 1-2:30 p.m.
- Thursdays 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Study Room 1 (Second Floor)
Drop-in hours are a great time to set up an appointment or to get help with quick resource questions. Free bus passes, when available, are also offered during these times.
Free Bus Passes
If you’re looking for discounted or low-cost bus passes, we’ve got a deal for you! We have free bus passes we can offer to patrons who need them, while supplies last.
Requirements:
- Bus passes are available to anyone, regardless of where you live or whether you have a library card.
- To receive a bus pass, you must show physical proof of why you need it. This can be a text, email or letter, but it must include the date you need it for and your name.
- Passes are limited to five per person per month.
Bus Pass Hours
- Wednesdays 3-5:30 p.m. by the second-floor entrance
- During the open hours above, in Study Room 1 (second floor):
- Tuesdays, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m.