The Ypsilanti District Library staff now includes its first Library Social Worker. Kat Layton will be based at the YDLMichigan branch, but can provide service at any YDL location.

“Deeply personal experiences, including the loss of my formerly incarcerated father to violence in 2004…drive my professional work,” Layton said. “I’m eager to connect with all members of the Ypsilanti community, including the people who have been the most neglected.”

This new social worker position was made possible by the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage Funding, and YDL is partnering with the EMU School of Social Work to help evaluate the program's impact. Layton will connect people with community resources, organize workshops about social issues, support library staff, and provide relevant information to anyone experiencing mental health issues, problematic substance use, unstable housing or homelessness, or other service provision needs.

Layton has a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and brings nearly a decade of direct service work and experience in research and policy to the role. She has worked with public defender organizations like the Neighborhood Defender Service of Detroit and worked for the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice at Wayne State University as a Research Assistant. This unique lens helps her advocate for systemic change informed by the realities of those most impacted.

“It’s incredibly exciting to join the Library Social Work field and ensure holistic support and resources for everyone through low-barrier access,” Layton said. “I also look forward to building and developing a strong team to expand the program's impact.”

Layton has already cultivated partnerships with Wolverine Street Medicine offering free medical care for unhoused individuals and with GenMobile and Stand Up Wireless to set up qualifying individuals with free phones and sim cards.

GET IN TOUCH
Call: 734-787-7626
Email: klayton@ypsilibrary.org