Select Page
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

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
Drop-In Hours
During drop-in hours, patrons will sign in, receive a ticket number, and briefly share their main need or concern. This helps the LCC team triage requests and connect patrons to the right level of support efficiently.

January & February 2026 Drop-In Hours

Tuesdays | Jan 20 - Feb 24 (no drop-in hours Feb 10) | 10:30am-1pm & 1:30-3pm | YDL-Michigan 

Wednesdays | Jan 21 - Feb 25 | 10:30am-1pm & 1:30-3pm | YDL-Michigan

Thursdays | Jan 22 - Feb 26 | 10:30am - 1pm & 1:30-3pm | YDL-Superior

  Can’t Make it During Drop-in Hours?
  • Email [email protected] or call 734-482-4110 ext. 1375 (or option 8 in the phone menu) with your request, and a team member will follow up as soon as possible. Please allow 48-72 hours for a response.
  • Appointments are available only as needed at the discretion of the LCC team
Drop-in hours and dates will be shared a few months at a time. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, or to ask about an appointment you can:
  • Email [email protected]
  • Call 734-482-4110 x 1375 (or option 8 in the phone menu)
  • Check this page for the latest updates








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.

.printfriendly a:hover, .printfriendly a:focus { outline: 2px solid blue !important; }