The City of Burlington is hiring a full-time social worker for the Fletcher Free Library. The “library outreach specialist” will help patrons struggling with mental health and substance use issues, both of which have become more prevalent in recent months. Burlington city councilors on Monday unanimously approved a $103,200 contract with the Howard Center to provide the service for a year. The nonprofit Friends of the Fletcher Free Library chipped in $25,000 toward the cost. The move is a small piece of Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak’s plan to address growing crime and disorder downtown that has disrupted commerce and created a sense of unease for many. At the library, staff regularly find people sleeping in alcoves and using drugs in bathrooms. Some of the patrons are increasingly aggressive when asked to leave. [content-2] Library director Mary Danko said the social worker’s ability to reduce these “escalated behaviors” will help all patrons feel safe at the downtown hub. “We really think there's a potential for great outcomes and significant positive changes that will benefit the entire community,” she said. Library staff have already been trained to use Narcan to reverse overdoses and have learned “verbal judo,” a conversation technique meant to diffuse tension. The library also has a full-time security guard. Despite these efforts, staff have issued dozens of trespass notices to unruly patrons in recent months; police calls are also up. Library commissioners held a special meeting in April to ask Mulvaney-Stanak for help, including hiring social worker. The position was included in the city’s fiscal year 2025 budget, along with funds to expand security services at the library. Danko said the social worker will be key in diagnosing why a patron might act erratically — something librarians struggle to do. “This becomes a very nuanced situation: Is this person having a mental health issue? Are they having an addiction issue?” Danko said. “My hope is that … they’re trained to suss that out a little bit better.” [content-3] Embedding social workers in libraries has become a more common practice as the dual crises of homelessness and drug addiction have plagued cities across the country.  Libraries, including Burlington's, are often one of few public spaces with restrooms and free Wifi. City Councilor Gene Bergman (P-Ward 2) said he hopes the program can be funded in future budgets. “Every problem that has been identified at this table tonight is deep-seated, is…