Social Worker in the Library

Social workers help to serve all residents in the community—especially those experiencing economic hardship or difficult times—through an empathetic lens that recognizes people’s strengths and rights. Social workers are available to provide free, one-on-one advising and guidance, as well as to connect customers, ages 13 and up, with resources and referrals. Our social workers are considered mandated reporters in the State of Maryland, which means there is a legal requirement to report any suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult. 

Our Social Workers

• Meet with customers on a one-on-one basis either in person at select branches, virtually or over the phone.
• Provide a compassionate space to discuss needs.
• Determine an action plan for addressing needs.
• Help with completing applications.
• Assist in connecting with community organizations and supports.

Schedule

Social Worker in the Library service is available at the branches listed below on the days indicated. Customers can contact the branch listed or email socialworker@bcpl.net to schedule an appointment by phone, virtually or in person.

• Essex Branch—Mondays and Tuesdays
• North Point Branch—Wednesdays, with additional appointments alternating weekly between Thursdays and Saturdays
• Owings Mills Branch—Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Randallstown Branch—Mondays, with additional appointments alternating weekly between Wednesdays and Saturdays

Assistance Topics

Get answers to questions and find resources for a variety of topics, including: 

• Access to public assistance, including:
  • Financial
  • Food stamps
  • Medical
• Domestic violence
• Grief and loss support
• LGBTQIA+ support
• Mental health
• Parenting resources
• Senior resources
• Substance abuse
• Youth services

Note: Mental health treatment or associated clinical services are not provided. 

For Immediate Assistance

If you are experiencing a medical emergency or need immediate assistance for a mental health emergency, call 911. If you want to have support in navigating difficult emotional experiences, including grief or thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 for support 24/7.

• Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline
  • Phone: 1-800-422-0009
• Deaf Crisis Hotline
  • Videophone: 321-800-3323 (Interpreters are available for free for crisis situations.)   
• Trevor Project Hotline
  • Phone: 1-866-488-7386
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
  • Phone: 1-833-852-6262
• Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County Hotline
  • Phone: 410-828-6390
• TurnAround’s Crisis Hotline for survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence and human trafficking
  • Phone: 443-279-0379
  • Text: 410-498-5956
• RAFI-US Farmer Crisis Hotline
  • Phone: 866-586-6746
• Vets4Warriors Hotline
  • Phone: 855-828-8255
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline
  • Phone: 1-800-662-4357

Additional Resources and Helplines

• United Way’s Referral and Support Hotline
  • Call 211
• Baltimore County’s Coordinated Access and Shelter Hotline
  • Phone: 410-887-8463
• Family Tree Parenting Help Line
  • Phone: 1-800-243-7337