San Diego County was one of the first areas that began to feel the economy’s seismic shifts. As the foreclosure crisis bloomed, the San Diego County Library partnered with a local non-profit to offer free foreclosure prevention clinics to help homeowners stave off financial disaster. At the clinics, attendees meet one-on-one with volunteer attorneys and credit and/or mortgage counselors. There are also sessions on credit management, loans, bankruptcy and consumer protection.  

Why would a library have cause to be involved with the foreclosure crisis?  It is very simple: the library is a trusted space.  In an era where there are unscrupulous advisors and programs poised to take advantage of homeowners in distress, holding these sessions at the library underscored the legitimacy of the experts, and advice, for the attendees.  It also affirms that libraries are not just a place to get a book or surf the web, but a space where community is created through supportive programs that meet the needs of residents.  Today approximately 2,500 individuals have attended more the 30 clinics held at the library.