YOUNGSTOWN — One aspect of the future that’s not hard to read into is that many patrons will continue to use their local library branches for traditional reasons such as checking out and returning books, DVDs and other materials.

But what about regular visitors who have needs beyond a desire to read their favorite Stephen King or Danielle Steel novel, take advantage of free computer services and find a place to study or get help with creating a resume?

That’s where Shari Buchmann comes in.

“The (larger) needs have always been there. I’m here to help people get access to the help that’s more broad by having had the library bring me on,” explained Buchmann, whom the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County hired May 13 as its part-time community-support specialist.

Buchmann, a licensed social worker, spoke recently from her office at the PLYMC’s main branch, 305 Wick Ave., about the type of assistance and outreach she provides.

Her position was part of a $27,600 grant from the Emeryville, Calif.-based Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation for a pilot program in the social-work field.

“We are grateful to the Gerald M. Kline Foundation for providing a grant which enables the library to offer to our patrons a very different kind of assistance,” Aimee Fifarek, the PLYMC’s executive director, said in a statement. “This project aims to provide a way to connect people needing social services with resources that can help.”

Buchmann’s position also has given library personnel an opportunity to be better trained to serve patrons with emotional and social needs, Fifarek noted.

Buchmann, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1998 from Youngstown State University, has 21 years of experience in the social-work arena. She also has worked 13 years for the Area Agency on Aging 11 as well as at local nursing homes and in the foster-care system.

Services she provides include assisting those trying to navigate the Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security / disability systems; arranging transportation or locating places for people who need hot meals; making referrals for pregnant women or parents who need support, as well as for those with addiction or mental-health challenges; offering guidance for people who are uninsured and need medical care; providing help for veterans; establishing connections to resources for high-cost medications; providing linkage to housing choices, emergency shelters or help with home repairs and utility assistance; and offering support for children with special needs or those with psychological, emotional or behavioral difficulties.

Since the program was launched last spring, Buchmann has helped close to 200 people with these and other, similar needs, including assisting some with choosing health care options in the Affordable Care Act, she estimated.

“My goal is to assess what people need, then prepare them for the experience and send them off with a helping hand,” said Buchmann, who also cautioned that she’s not qualified to offer counseling or case-management services.

Sometimes, extending that helping hand and also occasionally providing certain miscellaneous services can be more daunting than straightforward. One day last week, Buchmann tried to find an emergency shelter for a woman in need, only to discover thatall of them were full, so she attempted to help the woman the following day.

“Unfortunately, people always need a place to lay their head,” Buchmann added.

To make an appointment with Buchmann, call 330-720-6883, or email her at sbuchmann@libraryvisit.org.

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