Western Plains Library System is excited to announce a new partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) to empower communities through digital access and social support with WPLS Pathways. The program will be led by former Clinton Public Library branch manager Sara Whiteshield who is excited to provide this new resource in communities throughout the system as WPLS’ Director of Digital Inclusion and Social Benefits.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to return to a role that I am truly passionate about: helping people find the assistance they need,” said Whiteshield. “Prior to my time at WPLS, I accumulated 10 years of experience in the social services field, working with individuals of all ages, from foster care to adult social services and elder care.
“Through that experience, I have developed the necessary skills to locate resources, both large and small.”
This new service is funded through a pilot block grant provided by ODL and is one of the first of its kind in the state with only two other library systems receiving funding to provide similar services.
“WPLS has been part of the concept development team for this grant for over a year and I am proud to see this project come to fruition,” said WPLS Executive Director Tim Miller. “As government agencies reduce their public contact hours, or revert to completely online service, libraries are filling in the service gaps for citizens who need assistance accessing governmental programs.”
WPLS Pathways will help community members access digital and internet services through both public and residential resources, will guide patrons through application processes for OKDHS programs and support them in identifying and accessing tribal resources among other generalized assistance to help community members locate resources that will help meet unmet needs.
A native of western Oklahoma, Whiteshield says she is excited for the opportunity to help the community she calls home.
“What excited me even more than the opportunity to be back doing what I love is the chance to work in the communities where I grew up,” she said. “I graduated high school from Thomas-Fay-Custer Unified Schools in 2003 and then continued my education at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.
“Now, I proudly call Weatherford home and where I am raising my family.” Whiteshield will spend time at libraries across the WPLS system throughout the week and her full schedule can be found on the WPLS website’s event tab at wplibs.com. She can also be contacted at 580-323-0974 to schedule appointments as needed.
“If a patron needs assistance outside of the posted schedule, I can also meet by appointment. I understand that some situations in life are beyond our control, so I strive to accommodate the needs of others as much as possible.”