Conversation Starter
The program will include a panel of library social workers and administrators who will discuss how they started peer navigator programs targeted toward people experiencing homelessness in their public library systems. Included in the conversation will be information on how these programs are funded, how peers were identified to work in the library, and what the model looks like within each system
ALA Unit/Subunit: ALA
Meeting Type: Conversation Starter
Cost: Included with full conference registration.
Open/Closed: Open
Jean Badalamenti, MSW
Health & Human Service Assistant Manager
DC Public Library Programs and Partnerships
Leah Esguerra, LMFT
Social Worker/ Social Service Team Supervisor
San Francisco Public Library/San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing
Elissa Hardy, LCSW
Community Resource Manager
Denver Public Library
Kevin King
Head of Branch and Circulation Services
Kevin King is the Head of Branch and Circulation Services at the Kalamazoo (MI) Public Library, where he has been working for 21 years. He started his career as the Teen Services Librarian, where he first learned the importance of comforting the afflicted. Last year, Kevin was inspired by the amazing people on the panel to start a Peer Navigation program at KPL. The program started out with one navigator at three hours a week but because of public support, has grown to two navigators at 30 hours a week.
Kalamazoo Public Library
Nick Higgins
Chief Librarian
Brooklyn Public Library