News

When Edwardsville Public Library Director Jill Schardt wanted to respond to a growing need of patrons and area residents, she turned to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Social Work for help. 

The result was securing SIUE alumna and graduate student Brejani Owens as the library’s first social worker. Owens, whose internship began Friday, Jan. 31 and will conclude Saturday, Aug. 8, has continued, but modified her job duties in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I have a list of patrons who are 65 and older. I call and check on them, see if their families need anything and share resource information,” said Owens, whose list contains 1,000 names. “I’m also calling to be a listening ear.” 

Owens was drawn to the field of social work because of her advocacy for disadvantaged, underrepresented and oppressed populations. The library volunteer earned her bachelor’s in social work from SIUE in 2019. She will complete a master’s in social work on Saturday, August 8. Owens was recommended for the library internship by Department of Social Work faculty members Kimberly Carter, PhD, associate professor, and Carol Wesley, PhD, practicum director and assistant professor. 

“Everyone is welcome at the library, which includes people who are experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness and so much more,” noted Owens. “People come in and are looking for resources. There needs to be trained professionals to assist them.” 

“On an average day, we have 400-450 patrons enter the building,” said Schardt. “We try to serve the needs of everyone who enters our library, but there are some needs we are not equipped to handle. Many libraries across the country are experiencing this same situation. As a result, you will find that having social workers or social work interns in public libraries is becoming more common.”

“The opportunity to help the Edwardsville Public Library expand its community reach in this way was welcomed by our department,” said Carter. “Because this was a novel initiative, we knew at the outset that we needed to identify a strong student, who would be comfortable being at the forefront of program development and community outreach. Picking Brejani was a ‘no-brainer.’” 

“Brejani brings a wonderful combination of empathy and clear thinking to her role,” added Schardt. “It is important to treat people with respect and listen to their voices, yet still be grounded in how we can assist.  She has also been flexible as this stay-at-home order has presented us with some delays.” 

Before the pandemic, Owens had library office hours and hosted a cupcake social on Valentine’s Day to introduce herself and offer assistance. 

“I have also met with social organizations, the Edwardsville Township, Madison County Community Development, food pantries and local churches to discover what resources they offer, and bring it back to the library,” offered Owens. “The field of library social workers is still relatively new, and I absolutely love being a part it. 

“My main goals have always been to make my presence known at the library, and build rapport with area social agencies. I want to help as many people as possible. I expect the library to continue this extremely important work well into the future.” 

Photo:
SIUE alumna and social work graduate student Brejani Owens is Edwardsville Public Library’s first social worker.