Staff Policy – Community Wellness & Support Pilot Program

Implementation & Operational Guidelines The Wyandanch Public Library will implement a Community Wellness & Support Pilot Program designed to connect patrons with supportive services while helping reduce barriers to employment, education, and community participation. The program may include services such as laundry access and connections to community resources, including job readiness assistance, social workers, and local support organizations. This policy outlines staff procedures and expectations for operating the program.

1. Program Structure

The program will begin as a pilot initiative with limited appointments.
  • Maximum of three (3) appointments per day
  • Patrons must sign up 5–7 days in advance
  • Staff must maintain an appointment log
  • Appointments should be scheduled through the service desk or designated staff member.

2. Staff Responsibilities

Staff assisting with the program must:
  • Maintain the appointment schedule
  • Review program guidelines with participating patrons
  • Ensure machines are used appropriately
  • Confirm patrons remain in the library during use
  • Maintain a clean and safe program area
Staff are not responsible for handling patron clothing or personal belongings. Disposable gloves should be available if needed.

3. Patron Guidelines

Patrons participating in the program must:
  • Remain in the library while laundry is in progress
  • Monitor their own belongings
  • Remove clothing promptly when the cycle is complete
The library cannot supervise or store personal items. Clothing currently being worn by patrons may not be washed during the session.

4. Load Guidelines

To ensure fair access: Suggested limits include:
  • Up to 7 shirts
  • Up to 7 pairs of pants
  • Up to 7 pairs of underwear
  • Up to 7 pairs of socks
Small variations may be allowed when appropriate. These guidelines help maintain reasonable machine use and equitable access.

5. Frequency of Use

To provide fair access to the community:
  • Patrons should not schedule appointments on consecutive weeks
If openings remain shortly before the scheduled service day, staff may allow additional reservations.

6. Special Circumstances

In limited situations, staff may allow service outside the normal schedule if a patron demonstrates a clear need related to:
  • job interviews
  • court appearances
  • family obligations
These requests should be reviewed case-by-case and should not be widely advertised.

7. Resource Connections

While patrons participate in the program, staff may inform them about available resources, including:
  • job search assistance
  • resume support
  • digital literacy programs
  • community partners and social services
  • relevant library programs or events
Participation in these services is voluntary.

8. Program Promotion

The Community Wellness & Support Program may also be connected to the library’s program calendar and outreach initiatives, such as:
  • Job readiness workshops
  • Resume and interview help sessions
  • Technology assistance
  • Community partner visits
These opportunities may be promoted through the library calendar, website, and newsletters.

9. Program Evaluation and Data Collection

As a pilot program, staff should assist in collecting basic program data to evaluate effectiveness. Staff should record when possible:
  • Date of appointment
  • Number of appointments scheduled and completed
  • Patron attendance and participation
  • Referrals to library services or community partners
  • Operational observations or challenges
When voluntarily provided, staff may also record general demographic information such as:
  • Age range
  • General community demographics
This information will be used only for program evaluation, service improvement, grant reporting, and community impact assessment, in accordance with library privacy and ethical standards.

10. Success Stories and Community Impact

Staff are encouraged to document positive outcomes and success stories related to the program. Examples may include when a patron:
  • obtains employment or attends a job interview
  • connects with a social worker or community organization
  • participates in workforce or educational programs
  • receives support that improves stability or well-being
Success stories may be used for:
  • grant applications
  • board reports
  • annual reports
  • community outreach and advocacy

Staff should avoid including personal identifying information unless permission is provided. These stories help demonstrate how library services support opportunity, dignity, and community well-being.

“Quick Staff Workflow (Day of Service)”

It’s a 5-step checklist that makes the program extremely easy for clerks and librarians to run.

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