Social Work in the Library

Fork in the path with pasture fenced in on either side has signs pointing in different directions, but the path directly ahead leads toward a sunrise.

Supporting Community Members

San José Public Library offers support to all community members, especially people experiencing homelessness.

On This Page

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:

*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 logo. Text: Path - Making it home.

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 host drop-in hours at King Library in rooms 324 and 326 on the following days and times*:

  • Mondays - Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Fridays: 8:15 AM – 11:15 AM

*Subject to availability

More Info

For further questions or support from PATH, please call the PATH Helpline: 408-753-8735.

 


 

Mekong Logo with map of US and Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Text: Mekong Community Center, Inc - Hội Quán Cửu Long.

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.

 

Resources Within Walking Distance of King Library For Those In Need

Find free public services and resources in downtown San Jose, including information for housing support.

Community Resources & Support Groups

Explore library events and programs featuring community resources and support groups.

Latest Blogs

TIROC: Managing Change and Transitions

Part of the series of Trauma-Informed, Resilience-Oriented Care (TIROC) blogs: on managing change and transitions.

Michelle Clark
07/26/2023 - 12:00 PM

Community Spotlight: Sacred Heart Community Services

Learn about the services and resources available through Sacred Heart Community Services.

Julianna Black
04/28/2023 - 11:00 AM

TIROC: Notes on Grief

Written together by two members of our Trauma-Informed, Resilience-Oriented Committee (TIROC), this blog covers personal stories on dealing with grief. With grief comes renewal.

Julianna Black
04/14/2023 - 11:00 AM