Feb 28, 2018 8:49 AM

The Hampton Bays Public Library offers a lot more than a good book.

While it is still an excellent place to get lost in a novel, the Ponquogue Avenue institution now offers free social services to library patrons through the Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare.

Since September, Faith Vidale, a graduate student at Stony Brook who is majoring in psychology, has interned at the library, offering one-on-one informational sessions. She is also working with the Southampton Town’s Act TWO youth program, which helps raise mental health awareness through short skits, according to the library’s director, Susan LaVista.

“When the opportunity came up I thought it was a great idea for both parties,” Ms. LaVista wrote in an email. “Library staff help patrons with social issues all the time, and it seemed like a good fit for us in Hampton Bays.”

Ms. Vidale, who lives in Shirley, can assist those who need help completing forms for the Suffolk County Department of Social Services, offer referrals to mental health resources, including psychiatrists and therapists, and provide information about various support groups, such as food pantries. She can also help with the filling out of affordable housing applications and provide tips to those looking to join the workforce.

“For as long as I can remember people have always felt comfortable talking to me,” Ms. Vidale said on Monday. “I just want to help people.”

The social work intern program, which started at the Patchogue-Medford Public Library in 2017, is the latest example of how libraries have evolved to meet the changing needs of those who frequent them, according to Valerie Lewis, the administrator of outreach services for the Suffolk Cooperative Library System.

“Libraries truly add to the health and well-being of a community,” Ms. Lewis said on Monday. “People who visit the library are looking for information that may not be in scope of what a librarian [can offer]. It adds another realm of assistance that a public library can offer.”

Ms. LaVista agreed: “I think the people that have met with [Ms. Vidale] are grateful for her help,” she said. “She can help direct people to resources and help people find information they need.”

The 20,000-square-foot library is one of six public libraries in Suffolk County participating in the social work intern program. The others include South Country, Amityville, Longwood, Patchogue-Medford and Bayshore-Brightwaters, according to Ms. Lewis.

“There seems to be a greater need for this kind of help,” Ms. LaVista said on Monday. “Having a person who is more appropriately trained is a great idea.”

Ms. Vidale’s services are available on Mondays and Thursdays, from 5 to 9 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., according to the library’s website.