ALIQUIPPA, Pa. (KDKA) – The BF Jones Memorial Library is one of several libraries in Beaver County that offer more than just books, computers and Wi-Fi.

Libraries also respond to the social services needed in their communities.

“The main reason for creating this position is because many of our communities in Beaver County tend to be underserved,” said Kristen Janci, director of the BF Jones Memorial Library and district administrator of the Aliquippa Library District.

Michael Moore was hired this month as the first full-time library social worker. He will work in nine libraries in the Beaver County Library System, meaning he will visit each location about twice a month.

“He can actually take the time to sit down with people one-on-one and find out what they need,” Janci said.

Janci said questions about social services are very common in a public library and it is helpful to have someone trained in this regard.

The social worker helps when a library patron needs assistance with food assistance, government services, health insurance applications, professional development, counseling, mental health support, crisis intervention, and more.

He is already preparing to lead grief support groups in two libraries.

“He is working with the Carnegie Library of Midland and also with the Beaver Memorial Library to set up grief support groups because they were specifically requested,” Janci said.

The full-time social worker position is limited to two years. The Aliquippa Library District received funding from the Pittsburgh Foundation’s Environmental Mitigation Community Fund.

Janci recognized the need for parents and seniors in Aliquippa and the surrounding area.

“We have a very large aging population in Beaver County and libraries tend to focus heavily on youth and child care and story hours. So I really want us to reach out to our aging population and help reduce things like the digital divide that we see so often,” she said.

Janci said they have wanted to create the social worker position at the BF Jones Library for at least seven years, and now they can’t wait to see how the new hire improves the lives of people at several libraries.

As they begin a new chapter for families, they hope to eventually expand by hiring student interns, like the Allegheny County Library Association’s social work program. Janci said they’ve looked at that model.

“To be able to provide this space for free, but also in a space where people feel comfortable, in a space that doesn’t feel clinical. It’s not a government building,” Janci said.