Written by Walker Evans and Victoria Thompson
If you’ve read some of my articles about the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in the past, you might already know that libraries and social workers go together like chocolate and peanut butter.
Folks come to the library for help — and as the world has grown more complex and reliant on technology, libraries have stepped up as free, friendly and knowledgeable community resources.
But while librarians have professional expertise in finding and assessing the reliability of information, we’re not trained in the same knowledge and skills as social workers. And sometimes, that’s exactly what a library patron really needs.
We’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with a series of amazing social work interns at the Carnegie Carnegie since 2022, and for the patrons they’ve helped, this connection can be life-changing.
Still, we’re all too aware of the barriers that can keep someone in need from connecting with our social workers. For one thing, the Library’s perch on our hilltop might offer us a great view of Carnegie, but climbing the hill is no simple feat. For folks who get around on foot, our topography can be as good as a “no entry” sign.
Furthermore, we know of Carnegie residents for whom simply leaving home is a challenge, due to age, illness or mobility limitations. Our volunteer delivery program, Carnegie Connect, is an effort to bring library materials to these patrons — but for someone in need of a social worker’s expertise, simple delivery of books isn’t sufficient.
That’s why we were thrilled last November when the Jack Buncher Foundation generously agreed to fund a grant proposal that will allow the library to hire an additional social work intern to focus on community outreach.
We knew that we could have the greatest impact by placing a social worker in one of Carnegie’s low-income senior apartment complexes, to offer individual assistance with resources and services, as well as to build community within the building by planning social events for the residents.
We’re eager to get this exciting new program underway, and explore a whole new way of connecting with our community!
It’s my pleasure to announce that our new outreach social work intern will be Victoria Thompson. With her experience and dedication to aiding senior citizens, she’s an excellent match for this role, and I have no doubts that she’ll have a substantial positive impact on the folks she serves.
With that, here’s Victoria to introduce herself. Welcome!
— Library Director Walker Evans
My name is Victoria Thompson, and I am pursuing a dual master’s degree for social work and business administration at Carlow University.
This year, I am looking forward to working with the people of the apartments in Carnegie and continuing my work with Masonic Villages in Sewickley.
I want to make a positive impact through assisting individuals in maintaining their quality of life and thriving within community.
Outside of my passion for working with older adults, I enjoy concerts, crafting and community events. I cannot wait to meet you all soon!
Pictures are worth a thousand words, and I hope some of you will share some pictures and memories at our first social event.
— Outreach social work intern Victoria Thompson