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 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, 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.
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