Lizzie Flaherty works in a library, but she’s not just a librarian. She embodies a groundbreaking role as the first library social worker in South Australia.
Australia’s 1,700 public libraries offer more than just books; they serve as havens of refuge, foster valuable connections, and provide a welcoming space for everyone.
However, these open doors also invite the challenges of the world, as highlighted by Dr. Jane Garner, particularly in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“Whatever challenges exist in the community – poverty, mental health struggles, addiction, homelessness – will inevitably find their way into the library,” says Garner, an associate professor at Charles Sturt University, who passionately studies the bond between vulnerable individuals and public libraries.
