Ten years ago, St. Louis County Library was a traditional public library that focused on literacy and computer resources. However, about eight years ago, a study was published about the social determinants of health in the St. Louis region. The library staff understood the impact on their patrons and that these factors were not only holding back a community population, but an entire region. They responded.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
The library’s Tap In Center is an innovative program to support people who are involved in the criminal justice system. Often, people have warrants for failing to appear in court—which can result from administrative errors like wrong addresses or simply not having access to technology. Many times these individuals don’t even know about the warrants, which stack up quickly. In September 2020, the library worked with the Missouri Public Defender’s Office, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, The Bail Project, and other organizations to help individuals navigate the justice system. The Tap In Center has helped resolve more than 300 warrants.