Your Name and Title: Amanda D. Lepage, Senior Manager Welcoming Initiatives
Library, School, or Organization Name: Saskatoon Public Library
Co-Presenter Name(s): n/a
Area of the World from Which You Will Present: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Language in Which You Will Present: English
Target Audience(s): Public Libraries, libraries serving vulnerable people
Short Session Description (one line): Pandemic closures inspired new ways to serve vulnerable library patrons, including walk-up social worker access and public library computer access at emergency shelters.
Full Session Description (as long as you would like): The Covid-19 pandemic required a new way of thinking about how we serve vulnerable people in our community. Learn how one urban library leveraged grant funding to develop new service models to help vulnerable patrons remain connected to community social support. This presentation will focus on two innovations from SPL's Welcoming Initiatives team. The Shelter Laptop Lending Initiative offers public computer access to patrons experiencing homelessness by providing service right where they already are -- at the shelters where they stay. Our new Outreach Support Walk Up Window provides access to social support that is safe for both employees and patrons, and can be operated even when the library is closed.
Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session: www.saskatoonlibrary.ca
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