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Library Care Coordination

At Ypsilanti District Library, we believe that everyone deserves access to the support they need to thrive. Are you or is someone in your life experiencing tough circumstances? Our brand new Library Care Coordination Program is here to connect you to a robust network of community care.

Thanks to funding from the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage, YDL now has a full-time Library Social Worker! Our LMSW professional, working alongside student social work interns during the academic year, is compassionately and nonjudgmentally connecting patrons with essential resources and social services, including:
  • Mental health and substance use support
  • Navigating housing resources
  • Food assistance
  • Educational pathways
Eastern Michigan University Professor Margaret Ann Paauw will lead the program’s evaluation to ensure we’re building the most effective network for our community.

The Library Care Coordination program can:
  • Guide you to the right community resources
  • Help you navigate physical and mental health services (including harm reduction strategies)
  • Assist with state benefits applications
  • Facilitate access to government cell phone services
  • Connect you with legal support
  • Help you obtain vital documentation
Just a heads up: While the LCC program is dedicated to connecting you with resources, we don’t provide direct housing or onsite behavioral health treatment ourselves.
Kat Layton, YDL’s Library Social Worker, is a community organizer, harm reductionist, and licensed clinical social worker. With a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, Kat has spent nearly a decade of direct service, research, and policy work focused extensively within the criminal legal system. She has supported individuals navigating the criminal legal system, including reentry and the complex challenges after incarceration. This diverse background, deepened by her experience watching her formerly incarcerated father face the impacts of punitive systems for his behavioral health needs, fuels her commitment.

EMU Social Work Student Interns

Ashley Reynoso
DesaRay Maier
We offer scheduled 45-minute appointments for more robust resource coordination.

Tuesdays (YDL-Michigan): By appointment: 1-5pm
Wednesdays (YDL-Michigan): By appointment: 10am-12pm
Thursdays (YDL-Superior): By appointment: 1-5pm
Fridays (YDL-Michigan): By appointment: 10am-12pm

Please note that these hours are subject to change, especially when student interns are with us during the school year. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information you can:
  • Email [email protected]
  • Speak with a YDL staff member
  • Check this page for the latest updates
Click to schedule an appointment.

Questions? Ask at a public service desk, or email [email protected]






The Ypsilanti District Library’s Care Coordination program is committed to supporting community members who face challenging circumstances. Donations help us provide immediate, practical assistance and connect individuals with vital resources.

You can help amplify our impact with:
  • Financial donations: Your monetary gifts provide the most flexible support, allowing us to address emerging needs or help with emergency assistance (such as preventing energy shut-offs or offering temporary hotel rooms).
    - To contribute, please visit YDL’s donate page and select “Library Care Coordination” from the dropdown list
  • Items that address Essential Needs:
    - Transportation Tokens/Passes: Help individuals get to appointments, job interviews, or essential services. We welcome physical bus passes or tokens for The Ride through Ann Arbor Transportation Authority.
    - Gas and Grocery Gift Cards: Provide flexibility for basic necessities.
By contributing to the Library Care Coordination program, you’re investing in the well-being and stability of our community. Thank you for being a vital part of our efforts to empower and support our neighbors.

Made possible by the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage Funding.

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