Importance of peer workers

I often read about success stories where libraries have employed peer workers to be front-line staff at hteir branches. These workers can relate to people in the libraries and near the libraries and make them feel welcome when they may otherwise feel judged or excluded. This video is a great example of a peer worker in a public library in Denver, Colorado and the powerful influence she has on the community she works with. She is literally saving lives. Peer workers can benefit the library, its vulnerable users, and the peer worker themselves. When this works well, I can see no down-side.



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