In this interview, we’ll hear from Arielle Greenspan, Social Work Intern at the Boston Public Library. Arielle 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 Boston Public Library.
As a part of the Community Support Team, we act as resource connectors for any library patron who seeks assistance. We help people access resources relating to a broad range of issues, from housing to health insurance, from unemployment to legal aid. Being a social worker at the Boston Public Library also means that we have the unique position of providing social work services outside of a more traditional social work setting. As a result, we offer a low-barrier entry point to social services that is often less intimidating and accessible to those who are apprehensive about asking for help.
What did you enjoy the most about your library social work internship?
Hands down, all of the community has been my favorite part about working at the BPL. I have loved getting to know and build rapport with patrons, whether we see them every week or just once and never again. I’ve loved having coffee with patrons during our Coffee Chat program on Tuesday mornings, hearing about what successes they’ve recently had or what they may need support with that day, seeing them engage with the BPL in other ways, and even forming their own friendships and bonds with other patrons. I love being a part of one of the most iconic, important, and valued institutions in Boston, constantly working to innovate BPL practices to make it more welcoming and accessible for all. Lastly, I love my team. I feel truly lucky to work with my incredible, smart, resourceful, caring, and fun co-interns and manager.
Tell us about a peak moment, highlight, or special project from your internship.
Oh, where to start? I’ve really enjoyed getting to experience the progress some of our patrons have made over the past year. Hearing that somebody got a new job, finally got housing, or was able to make the positive change in their life that they’ve been working towards for years will always make me beam with pride. I’ve also really enjoyed getting the opportunity to discuss library policy with various BPL staff members and thinking about how to truly make the BPL welcoming and accessible for all. It’s been a valuable challenge to think about the intersection of library work and social work from a policy perspective and has granted useful insight into what mezzo social work practice can look like!
What challenges did you encounter during your internship and how did you navigate them?
I think the biggest challenge I’ve faced during my internship is boundary setting with patrons and staff alike. It can be difficult when there is so much demand for library social workers, but our team consists of three social work interns and one full-time LISCW (we just had a second start, though!). We can’t be everywhere at once but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to help. It can feel like it’s impossible to do enough.
What insights would you offer to libraries interested in hosting a social work internship?
The most important insight I’d like to offer is that, if you’re going to host social work interns at your library, staff should have some preliminary understanding of what to expect from library social workers. I would encourage staff members to interact with the social work team early on in order to establish best practices.
Anything else you would like to share?
I could not have asked for a better first-year placement. Working on the Community Support Team has been such a valuable learning experience, and one that has significantly shaped my social work practice. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned into my next internship at a local community health center!
Interview with Arielle Greenspan, Boston Public Library Social Work Intern
Interviewed by Michelle Eberle, Massachusetts Library System Consultant
