Impact on People in Need
We engage with and provide resources and services to underserved and high-need individuals and families who have much to gain from Library services.
Programs and Services for People in Need in 2018
Summary of Programs for People in Need
Wi-Fi hotspots
- 675 Wi-Fi hotspots circulated 8,254 times
- 157 additional Wi-Fi hotspots circulated to residents in tent cities and shelters in 2018
- 42 percent of hotspot users have no home internet access and 37 percent earn less than $20,000 a year
Help for veterans
- We offered help for veterans struggling to get back on their feet
- 100+ veterans received help accessing vital social services
- Services include help with housing, financial planning, legal issues, access to medical care and more
Tax Help
- We offered tax preparation assistance to nearly 7,000 people who earn $64,000 a year and under
Other key 2018 initiatives
- The popular Kids’ Cafe after-school meals continued at five branches
- We continued drop-in programs for homeless youth
- 101,355 books and materials circulated to homebound and disabled patrons, senior centers and day cares that support low-income families
- We held employment workshops for the formerly incarcerated
- New classes on how to represent yourself in court were offered