In this interview, we’ll hear from Ava Maddox, Social Work Intern at the Somerville Public Library. Ava will fill us in about her role at the library, highlights of the internship, and advice for public libraries interested in hosting a library social work internship.
Tell us about your role as a social work intern at the Somerville Public Library (SPL).
At the Somerville Public Library, I supported patrons with resource navigation and referrals to local community resources. I assisted individuals with applications for a variety of resources including public benefits, health insurance, employment, housing, immigration services, and more.
Additionally, I conducted outreach by tabling at two library locations, where I shared information about the social work program and answered patron questions.
What did you enjoy the most about your library social work internship?
What I enjoyed the most was being a low barrier access point for community members. Working in the library allowed me to meet people where they are, as libraries remain one of the few free and accessible public spaces where people can spend time.
I also really enjoyed working as a team with the fellow social workers at the Somerville Public Library. Working and collaborating with both Jake and Liana was a highlight of the experience!
Tell us about a peak moment, highlight, or special project from your internship.
A highlight of my internship was creating our year in review report, which was shared with community partners and library staff. This project showcased the impact of the social work program and highlighted community needs.
What challenges did you encounter during your internship and how did you navigate them?
One challenge was becoming familiar with the different resources within the community while simultaneously supporting patrons with the same resources. Navigating this included meeting with different community partners to better understand their services and eligibility criteria, which strengthened my ability to make informed referrals.
What insights would you offer to libraries interested in hosting a social work internship?
Social work internships are a valuable addition to libraries, as they allow students to engage across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. For libraries interested, I would recommend incorporating outreach efforts such as tabling, which helps interns build relationships with patrons and establish a visible presence in the community.
Interview with Ava Maddox, Library Social Work Intern, Somerville Public Library, Social Work Graduate Student at Boston University
Interviewed by Michelle Eberle, Consultant, Massachusetts Library System
