The Great Equalizer
The Changing Roles and Attacks On Our Public Libraries
In honor of National Library Week, I had grand plans to write about the changing roles of libraries to help bridge critical gaps in communities. I was all set to profile Ashlan Lippert, the Community Resource Specialist at the Des Moines Public Library (DMPL), a unique social worker position created two years ago, and to do a deep dive into the services she provided at the downtown Central location.
Then, earlier this year, that position at the library was eliminated amid city budget cuts.
I have intimate knowledge of the DMPL and their patrons. Over a decade ago, I worked as a substitute librarian for two years, subbing across the five city locations. Each branch had it’s own personality based on the surrounding community and residents, and thus each location had distinct needs. The Central Library is situated on Grand Avenue—just blocks away from the Central Iowa Shelter and Services—and sees a significant percentage of unhoused patrons on a daily basis. My unhoused, chronically ill family member is frequently one of these patrons.
So, two years ago when I read about the new social worker position at Central, I enthusiastically cheered it and encouraged my family member to meet with Lippert.
Libraries have always been the great equalizer with something for everyone.
In November 2023, just two months on the job, Lippert told Fox 17 News she’d already helped 135 different patrons with services like employment assistance, housing referrals, mental health and substance abuse treatment referrals, and eventually added a community fridge in the library breezeway and twice monthly Outreach Project, which partners with area organizations to connect people with community resources like meal sites and shelters.
“I thought what better place for a social worker to practice?” Lippert said at the time. “I mean this is one of the last safe free nonthreatening places that exists. I think our patrons really trust our librarians but some of the social service needs that we see come through our doors are really diverse and complex and that requires some social expertise so social workers are kind of the perfect counterpart to our librarians.”
As both a former social worker and substitute librarian, I whole-heartedly agreed then and still do now. Libraries have always been the great equalizer with something for everyone.
How, then, have we lost that message and turned libraries into some kind of frivolous enemy?
It’s been utterly disheartening to watch the attacks on and budget cuts to libraries the last few years, and eliminating the social worker position at Central is a tremendous loss for the city of Des Moines.
It also begs the question: how much, really, do we care about helping our struggling citizens?
Just ask a librarian.
Legislative Updates
Bills That Died
On Homelessness: A proposal that would’ve criminalized sleeping and camping on public property did not advance through the second funnel week. It would’ve allowed cities and counties to create “designated spaces for homeless encampments” and create “drug-free homeless service zones” and criminal charges against facility operators providing shelter services to unhoused individuals who possess or use a controlled substance in their facility. (I was very glad to see this one go.)
Bills Still Being Considered
Medicaid work requirements: This proposed Senate legislation relates to Iowa’s expanded Medicaid program. It would require people receiving health coverage through the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP), to work least 80 hours each month to retain eligibility, and would apply to people between the ages of 19 to 64. It has some exceptions, including people with a serious illness or injury, and those with children under age 6. It’s now passed both chambers, but has not yet made it to the governor’s desk. (I very much want to see this one go.)
Responsible Discharge of Involuntary Committed Persons: This bill would require, prior to discharge, of a person committed for a substance use disorder or inpatient care for a serious mental impairment, that the facility treating the person refer them to an Administrative Services Organization for evaluation, case management, post-discharge services, suicide risk assessment, and a 7-day supply of all prescribed medications. (I very much want to see this one cross the finish line.)
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I am disheartened by the lack of compassion in our State and Federal government. Sadly the answer to your question about caring, with the government we have now is, not much, to not at all. We need to get involved. Protest when you can. Stand up for others and volunteer when possible. I have heard many political reporters say a bill isn't dead until the session is over. I would be happy to see the first 2 bills you mentioned die a quick death. If Reynolds doesn't sign the last one I would like to her suffer the same fate.