In this interview, we’ll hear from Toni Simmons, Social Work Intern at the Boston Public Library. Toni 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 lifelong library patron, I knew that working in such a unique setting would challenge me and offer one-of-a-kind opportunities! As a social work intern, I am responsible for collaborating with my co-interns to facilitate drop-in hours and other events. During drop-ins, Boston Public Library patrons can speak to a member of the social work team about anything from volunteer opportunities to rental relief funds. It has been an honor to collaborate with our patrons and build relationships with library users and staff. We also offer a free coffee and food program on Tuesday mornings, which has evolved into a lovely social space for patrons who otherwise are socially isolated.
Being in such a well-regarded institution as the BPL has afforded myself and our patrons many opportunities that we would otherwise struggle to access. We have immigration clinics, drop-in court services, peer support groups, ESOL classes, technology access, employment support, and so much more just within the library. It is wonderful to be able to connect patrons with something to meet their needs directly at the library, without having to send them to multiple other service providers or locations.
What did you enjoy the most about your library social work internship?
I appreciate the low-barrier and collaborative model of library social work. Since libraries do not carry the same stigma that many other service agencies (shelters, hospitals, etc.) do, patrons come into the space less afraid or on guard. This allows for a less fraught or strenuous relationship to shape naturally, as we learn from each other. I have also come to enjoy the flexibility of what this placement offers — the work here is really whatever you can make it!
It has also been a pleasure getting to know the many patrons who seek support. I have been able to share their triumphs, get to know their pets through stories, and learn so much about what it means to be a person under oppressive systems. Their experiences fuel my deep-seated desire to see widespread, systemic change to reduce barriers and see everyone housed.
Tell us about a peak moment, highlight, or special project from your internship.
I have been working to develop a series of conversations to pair with asynchronous trainings for library staff on topics like secondary trauma, boundary setting and trauma informed care. Library staff have expressed a desire for increased support and face challenging work environments every day. My hope is that, by opening up dialogues, we can lean on one another to learn new approaches, commiserate about the bad and celebrate the good! I also hope that these conversations will bring further awareness to staff about what the library social work team does and facilitate future collaborations between departments.
What challenges did you encounter during your internship and how did you navigate them?
Along with the wonderful flexibility of this position comes challenges to understanding our team’s limits. Staff, patrons, and I have all had to learn how a social work team can function in such a huge library system without burning out. By having frequent check-ins with other team members, I have learned to gauge what is realistic for me to undertake, and what is beyond our scope. In turn, I have grown in confidence throughout the year in communicating those expectations to staff and patrons.
Additionally, practicing social work during the current sociopolitical climate is increasingly challenging. Staying on top of which agencies still have funding, shifting expectations for benefit recipients, and overcoming the malaise of stress that accompanies each new headline has been difficult. It has been rejuvenating to have such a wonderful team. Both my supervisor and fellow interns have been instrumental in finding the joy of the work, despite the sometimes bleak reality.
What insights would you offer to libraries interested in hosting a social work internship?
Social work is only as strong as its support systems. We work incredibly hard and we also cannot single-handedly solve large scale problems like homelessness. Interns work best when they have supervisors and teammates to collaborate with. We love the library and want to see it thrive, and the patrons we serve feel the same way!
Anything else you would like to share?
This has been an incredibly meaningful experience, and there is no better place than one filled to the brim with books!
Interview with Toni Simmons, Boston Public Library Social Work Intern
Interviewed by Michelle Eberle, Massachusetts Library System Consultant
