Even before the pandemic took a toll on the city, Baltimore faced many challenges with high rates of poverty, homelessness, drug misuse, and unemployment, as well as a history of redlining and disinvestment. For generations the Pratt Library has been a trusted resource for city residents but increasingly, librarians have been on the frontlines not always equipped to meet the complex needs of a community in crisis. Now patrons can find specially trained individuals qualified to help with an array of issues.

In partnership with neighboring universities and nonprofits, the Pratt Library offers free appointments with social work interns, lawyers, peer recovery specialists, nursing students, and housing navigators in 9 of its 22 branches. The programs are coordinated by Pratt staff members and benefit not only those receiving the care, but the interns and students interacting with the library population. Private funding supports several efforts, amplifying community involvement and enabling some interns to receive stipends.

The Pratt has expanded its Social Work program to include 3 full time staff and 5 interns, has secured funding for the peer recovery program to expand to 7 locations, and has recently launched the nursing program at 4 branches. Since July of 2022, these programs have served more than 3,000 patrons and counting. With the ongoing mission of meeting identified needs in the community, the Pratt will add housing navigators and telehealth to its roster of social impact programs this spring.