March 2014 at the Library

Community Court at the Downtown Library

Libraries can change lives. No really, it’s true. We’ve heard it from many, many people over the years and for a variety of reasons. The Downtown Library has engaged in a new partnership that really does have the potential to change lives. In early December a unique pilot project launched – Community Court. Every Monday the meeting rooms on the first floor of the Downtown Library are transformed into a courtroom and a resource center.

Community Court is a collaborative effort of the courts, the police department, the library and many others. One of the goals of the project was to find a way to offer alternatives to jail-time for non-violent offenders who commit quality-of-life offenses (misdemeanors like trespassing or consuming alcohol in a public place). Did you know it costs about $135 a day to house someone in jail?! Reducing jail time reduces costs for our community enormously but this project is not just about improving the bottom line. Another major goal is to help people to get back on track and get the assistance they need.

The library has always been a place people turn to for help. Whether it’s homework help or tax preparation, help with computer and internet access, computer instruction or job search assistance through our WorkSource Connection site – we’ve got it at the library. The Community Court collaboration expands the type of assistance available at the library. From 10:30 – 1:00 each Monday, meeting room 1B and the far end of the gallery space are populated with small tables that are staffed by representatives from various service agencies in Spokane. Instead of having to go to each agency separately, participants in Community Court can walk next door and talk to several service providers in one visit. One-stop shopping. They also get lunch (usually donated from First Covenant Church) as an incentive to come and to make sure participants don’t go hungry.
Another bonus is that you don’t have to be a Community Court participant to take advantage of the services offered on Mondays, everyone is welcome. What kind of services? Here’s a short list:

• Center For Justice (Affordable Care Act Navigator)
• CHAS Denny Murphy Clinic
• Department of Licensing
• Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
• Frontier Behavioral Health
• Family Service Spokane
• Access to Care
• Gentiva Housecall (Nurse)
• Goodwill Industries
• Hope Outreach
• Next Generation Zone
• Salvation Army
• SNAP

Remember, you don’t have to be a court participant to use these services. ANYONE can access these services on Mondays from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at the Downtown Library. Whether you’re looking for help with your child’s science project, writing a novel, filing your taxes, signing up for health insurance or trying to find mental health counseling – the library is the place to go.