Selbyville library welcomes back social workers

The Selbyville Public Library announced a partnership between the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and the Division of Libraries that will bring social workers back into the library to help patrons obtain essential services. The program began March 8. A  social worker will be present in the Selbyville library from 1 to 4 p.m., every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

“This is a service we provided in the past, and it benefits our library patrons in a variety of ways,” said Kelly Kline, library director. Because of various factors including a shortage of social workers as well as pandemic constraints, it has been nearly two years since social workers have been available in the Selbyville library.

Kline said she is grateful the library can once again have social workers bridging the gap as essential needs navigators for a wide variety of services. The social worker will help patrons apply for services including Medicaid, food benefits, long-term nursing care, child care, energy assistance, employment, and referrals to other organizations.

Dr. Annie Norman, Delaware state librarian, said, “The Selbyville Public Library provides for the community needs to conquer challenges and seize opportunities. The social workers from the Department of Health and Social Services ensure a strong foundation for everyone.”

The service is completely free, and no appointment is necessary to meet with the social worker. Community members can come in between 1 and 4 p.m. on the second or fourth Tuesday of the month, and social workers will be available to help.

For more information on this and other programs offered at the Selbyville Public Library, go to selbyvillelibrary.org. Masks are currently optional in the library.