As of April 11, 2024, members of the public can meet one-on-one with a social worker, Mia Boxer, LSW, at the main branch of the Montclair Public Library. This service is free and can be reserved in advance or on a walk-in, first-come first-served basis.
“Having a social worker on staff enables us to grow deeper into our role as a trusted information center and to respond to the community’s ever-changing needs,” says Janet Torsney, Library Director. “We are grateful to Partners for Health for making this expansion of services possible.”
The social worker is available:
- Tuesdays: 4-6 p.m. (walk-ins)
- Tuesdays: 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m. (walk-ins or appointments)
- Wednesdays: 12-2 p.m. (walk-ins)
- Thursdays: 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:15 p.m. (walk-ins or appointments)
- 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month: 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m. (walk-ins or appointments)
- 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month: 12:30-2 p.m. (walk-ins)
Stop by to chat or ask about college information, resources for emotional development and coping skills, job assistance, and time management. Get help finding community resources, completing applications for Social Security, SNAP, Medicaid/Medicare, and other benefit programs, or getting an ID, Birth Certificate, and other vital documents. To make an appointment, visit https://montclairlibrary.libnet.info/v/assets/925 or call 973-744-0500 ext. 2286.
The social worker is funded by a generous grant from the Partners for Health Foundation, whose vision is to make our communities healthier, better places to live. The grant was awarded to the Montclair Public Library Foundation at the end of 2023.
“Many of our Montclair neighbors visit the Library for information, shelter, and a sense of community. Partners for Health is pleased to support the social worker position and the Library’s efforts to welcome all who seek assistance and guidance within their building,” says Pam Scott, Executive Director of the Partners for Health Foundation.
This service was first piloted from fall 2021 to spring 2023 with interns from Montclair State University’s Master of Social Work program. With funding secured for 2024 and 2025, the new social worker will enhance the Library’s existing efforts and will connect with local agencies in addressing the overall health and wellness needs of the community, including its most at-risk members. The social worker will also train Library staff, develop programs addressing equity and inclusion, and oversee the continuing partnership with Montclair State University.
About the Montclair Public Library
Founded in 1893, the Montclair Public Library serves the residents of Montclair, New Jersey. It has two facilities: the Main Library at 50 S. Fullerton Avenue and the Bellevue Avenue Branch at 185 Bellevue Avenue. The Library has been changing lives every day for over 125 years through words, ideas, and community building by providing unlimited opportunities for lifelong learning, discovery, and community engagement. Visit montclairlibrary.org for more information.