About Social Work in the Library
What We Do
San José Public Library offers support to all community members, especially people experiencing homelessness. SJPL focuses on the following:
- Understanding the needs of the housing insecure community in San José;
- Developing pathways to facilitate warm hand-offs from the library to needed services; and
- Building staff capacity to enhance our engagement with those who are unhoused.
SJPL works alongside community partners to accomplish the following:
- Bring social work services into our library spaces;
- Identify relevant staff trainings; and
- Coordinate information sharing with library staff on evolving community resources.
How It Works
Social Work in the Library offers free social service information and referrals*. Our staff can meet with you, approach your needs without judgement, and help you find where to go for shelter, food, showers, mental health services, legal help, and more.
You can schedule a free, 20-minute 1-on-1 consultation to meet with our specialist. Our specialist will work with you to find appropriate resources that are available. Contact our specialist for an appointment:
- Call: 408-808-2357
- Email: julianna.black@sjlibrary.org
*Disclaimer: SJPL's Social Work in the Library does not establish a social worker-client relationship. SJPL does not offer case management or extensive follow-up services. We will try our best to get you connected to any resource we know of that could suit your needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Mental Health Call Center at 800-704-0900.
Partner Services
PATH
SJPL is proud to partner with People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. PATH is ready to assist with case management, connecting you to appropriate services and resources, applying for public benefits, and more.
When & Where
PATH staff will be at King Library in Room 324 on the following days and times*:
- Wednesdays, 9 AM – 12 PM
- Thursdays, 11 AM – 3 PM
*Subject to availability
More Info
For further questions or support from PATH, please call the PATH Helpline: 408-753-8735.
Mekong Community Resource Center
Starting in June 2023 at select library locations, receive one-on-one assistance from a Mekong Community Center representative on a first-come, first serve basis. Services provided will include the following:
- Enlisting Section 8 housing assistance for age 55+;
- Registering for in-home supportive services;
- Assistance with social work or medical center calls;
- Applying for CalFresh;
- Document translation; and
- More
Services will be available in Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
More Info
Visit their website or call the Mekong Community Resource Center at 408-937-1553 for more information.
