Sometimes the people who most need the help of a social worker have the most trouble finding one. That’s changing in Central Oregon, and now the change has reached Prineville. A social worker from Thrive Central Oregon is seeing people in need of help every Tuesday afternoon at the county’s public library.

Britta Schroeter-Phillips, who has a master’s degree in social work from Portland State University, is at the library from 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. Those who need her services simply sign up for a half-hour free appointment. She’s there to help them navigate everything from the region’s tight housing market to its limited public transportation. She knows where free meals are served and when, and she can offer assistance to those looking for new or better jobs.

Her gig in the library may be new to Crook County, but it’s not new to Thrive Central Oregon, which has social workers in county libraries and elsewhere in Bend, Redmond and La Pine at different times on different days throughout the week. The libraries provide space; the program is financed through Deschutes United Way and other donations and grants.

The social workers’ presence is one way public libraries are fulfilling their role as centers for information in communities. They’re often centrally located and easy to reach even for those of limited means. Bringing in community experts like social workers is simply another way libraries can connect people with the information they need.

Schroeter-Phillips will no doubt be in demand in Crook County. Fortunately for the residents there, the library saw the need for her or someone like her and stepped up to fill it.