by Holly Schaffer, Community Relations Manager
Before I tell you all about the Library’s bi-monthly Our Space program, I want to start by sharing with you what the program means to the individuals who attend it.
The day I visited the program, I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Cass, Melissa, Joe, Donovan, Tessa, and a few others who regularly attend. I asked them about how it’s been helpful and in what ways they’ve felt supported by Library staff. I was touched by their willingness to share and the openness with which they spoke.
Here is just some of what they told me:
“This program is a light when times are dark. It’s a good place to go when you need help, be it help with an empty stomach, healthcare, housing, and more. A smiling face goes a long way when you’re feeling down.”
“I enjoy the fellowship with others.”
“It’s meaningful because I’ve got nothing. This helps me a lot.”
“It gives me hope in humanity.”
“It helps so I don’t starve. It gives me hope.”
“I feel supported in ways that no one has ever supported me. Everybody is respectful, understanding, and kind.”
“It means I won’t be hungry today and I can get mental health resources and socialize.”
Our Space is offered monthly on the 2nd and 4th Thursday in the Tortolita Room at Joel D. Valdez Main Library (101 N. Stone Ave.). Within the walls of the safe space are large windows overlooking Jácome Plaza, plenty of chairs, snacks and water to take, and food from Caridad Community Kitchen. In addition, folks can obtain things like flipflops, hygiene packs, flashlights, and blankets.
Staff at Caridad Community Kitchen, a service of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, take great pride in the meals they provide. They most often include a sandwich and burrito, an orange, and a snack such as a granola bar. They also include condiments, which to many of us, might seem insignificant, but as staff at Caridad told us, “It’s important to us that we not skip the condiments because we want people receiving the meals to get the most enjoyment out of the food. We don’t believe in cutting corners… everyone deserves the same quality.” Last year, Caridad provided 2,222 bagged meals!
The mood is pleasant and sociable as folks enjoy their meals, play board games and Bingo, listen to music, and chat with one another. On the day I attended, I met Marty, a regular attendee, who carries a sketchbook and was carefully drawing Gertie Lopez of the Waila band Gertie and the T.O. Boyz, who often play live music at the program.
Community partners play an integral role in the program’s success. Karl Wagner is a resource navigator from Pima County’s Community Workforce and Development. Valerie ElGhaouti is the Arizona Voter ID Organizer from VoteRiders. They can be found at every Our Space sitting at a long table full of essential information.
It’s easiest to list all that they do…
- Receiving ID and birth certificate assistance
- Acquiring a cell phone
- Finding food resources and utility assistance
- Obtaining pet food
- Understanding eviction prevention
- Completing paperwork for emergency housing
- Connecting with legal services and veteran and employment resources
- and more!
Of the partnership with the Library, Valerie says, “I think of librarians as magicians. Everyone I’ve encountered has been very helpful.” Karl emphasized that his department could not reach the community where they are without the support of the library.
Jessica Miesner, who oversees Our Space programming, is overjoyed with the partnerships that have been formed. She’s also glad that it’s hosted at the library. She said, “People are meeting inside our fabulous library with all our helpful and talented staff who can help them get on a computer, access Wi-Fi, get an email address… all of the things that are increasingly necessary in finding success.”
Linde Furman, PCPL’s manager of customer experience, programs, and community partnerships, told me, “Our Space is a prime example of how people coming together and engaging with one another creates far more success and far more powerful results with tangible, positive impact.”
Within its first year and a half, Our Space has exceeded expectations. For those working on the program, it’s an opportunity to help people get what they need. Perhaps, though, it’s a little more about giving back one’s dignity, showing kindness, and empowering others… all over a shared meal, a friendly game of Bingo, and some good music.
