[Michlib-l] Peer Navigators in Public Libraries - MLA 2019 Conference

[Dillon Geshel]

Last month, I attended the Michigan Library Association Conference in Novi,
Michigan. It was a great three days of learning and engagement with
hundreds of other librarians from across the state. As a recipient of the
Library of Michigan’s Continuing Education Stipend, I’m expected to share
my conference experience with others. I’ve chosen to share information
about one of the most inspiring sessions I attended - a presentation from
staff at the Kalamazoo Public Library and the Recovery Institute of
Southwest Michigan, titled *Fostering Mutuality: Peer Navigators in Public
Libraries*.

Last Fall, the Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL) launched an initiative to
help connect patrons with the social services they need. The goal of the
initiative is to give patrons an opportunity to speak with a licensed and
certified Peer Support Specialist, or as KPL calls them, Peer Navigators.
These specialists support individuals struggling with addiction,
homelessness, mental health issues, lack of food or clothing, and more.
Using their own lived experiences, Peer Navigators foster a level of mutual
trust with patrons that make them approachable, and they are knowledgeable
about the wide range of community resources available to help those in need.

KPL Library staff served on an opioid epidemic committee alongside members
of the Recovery Institute of Southwest Michigan, which is where the idea
for a Peer Navigators program first surfaced. KPL staff thought their
service area had no shortage of social programs and resources for those in
need, but organizations seemed to run parallel to each other rather than
working together. Library staff made it known to the committee that public
libraries are one of the last neutral, non-stigmatized, democratic entities
around—a great potential community partner in their mission to assist those
most in need.  Long story short: Peer Support Specialists from the Recovery
Center started spending several hours every week at KPL as Peer Navigators.

In early October, a local news station in Kalamazoo ran a story on the
program
<https://wwmt.com/news/local/kalamazoo-public-librarys-peer-navigator-program-offers-resources-to-those-in-need>and
interviewed one of their Peer Navigators. “I get to be the person I always
needed,” said Anthony Sorrenento, one of KPL’s Peer Navigators. Anthony
didn’t know where to turn when he was struggling with his own addictive
behavior for many years. As a Peer Navigator, he’s now able to help people
with similar struggles get the help they need. Using the lived experiences
of Peer Navigators to connect people with resources that can benefit them
is an integral part of the program. Many Peer Navigators have lived
homeless, been addicted to substances, or struggled with other mental and
behavioral obstacles. They’re able to foster mutuality with people in need,
which can be more difficult for the suit-and-tie librarians of our
profession.

The Peer Navigators program takes a trauma-informed approach
<https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4884.pdf>, which follows six
key principles in an effort to create opportunities for survivors to
rebuild a sense of control and empowerment: Safety; trustworthiness and
transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality; empowerment, voice
and choice; and cultural, historical and gender issues. How do some of
these principles apply to the work of Peer Navigators in libraries? Staff
and patrons should feel physically and psychologically safe, and
interpersonal interactions should promote a sense of safety. Peer support
is a key vehicle for establishing safety and hope, building trust,
enhancing collaboration, and utilizing their stories and lived experiences
to promote recovery and healing.

KPL incorporates other community programs alongside Peer Navigators. A
monthly Coffee and Conversation event gives patrons an opportunity to
socialize with Peer Navigators and library staff while enjoying coffee and
donuts. Gender-specific care kits are made available to patrons, including
personal care items such as socks, shampoo, lip balm, toothbrushes and
toothpaste, and razors for shaving.

Could your community benefit from a Peer Navigators program? KPL staff
suggest reaching out to your local community and mental health
organizations. These groups will likely have recovery coaches and support
specialists on staff, who are often tasked with planning outreach
initiatives. A Peer Navigators program at your library could be a perfect
partnership for their group, too.

-- 
Dillon Geshel
Library Director
Portage Lake District Library
58 Huron Street, Houghton MI
(906)-482-4570 x2

Visit our website at www.pldl.org
Like our FB page at facebook.com/pldl.org


*The Mission of the Portage Lake District Library is to inspire our diverse
community to discover, imagine and connect. Our Vision is an educated,
connected community of readers, learners, doers and dreamers.*
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