1st Full-Time Social Worker To Offer Services At Downers Grove Library

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — After a notable spike in social work interactions in 2024, the Downers Grove Public Library has brought on its first full-time social worker. Elizabeth Shlah will join the library's existing team of social work interns to provide mental health services to residents in need.

Last year, the library's social work program reported an increase of 541 percent in its interactions with patrons. Of these, it's estimated roughly 30 percent were seniors.

Shlah, who holds a master's degree in social work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, most recently worked in the Permit Supportive Housing department of DuPage PADS. Her experience also includes foster care casework at Hephzibah Children’s Association and security wellness support at Forest Park Public Library.

Along with the current social work team, Shlah handle patron consultations, donation drives, staff support, crisis management and other services.

"I want to meet people where they are and create a safe space for people who are facing really challenging times; it's important in social services to help remove barriers for people in need of accessing services," Shlah said in a statement.

She added, "I have thorough training in trauma informed care and have seen how trauma can affect a person. My goal is to be consistent with my interactions with people and have everyone I meet leave our interaction feeling better than they came in."