Libraries and Homeless Outreach

Libraries and the homeless

By Erin Orona

Hostile architecture. City laws forbidding panhandling and “camping” in public areas. In a world becoming increasingly more aggressive against people experiencing homelessness, libraries do more than just provide access to information – they become a haven. However, for every library that provides outreach programs for the unhoused population, there’s one who tries their hardest to root them out. No sleeping in the facility, no “bad odors”; policies such as these try to force out people experiencing homelessness for the comfort of other patrons. A library’s mission above all else is to provide access and information to all. How are we meant to serve when some of us try to exclude those who need our help the most? It is not only our duty as librarians, but as human beings, to provide aid to those in need. But, what is the best way to go about this?

In “Library Service to the Homeless”, it states that the best way to start trying to provide aid is by taking a look at your local unhoused population. By learning about this community, you can easily decipher what their needs are and then provide adequate aid for them. Is there an issue with a lack of food? Host a food drive to accept donations, or partner with a nearby food bank to lend a hand. What about basic essentials? Start accepting donations to assemble care kits containing items such as toiletries and blankets to hand out to people experiencing homelessness. And, if they’re experiencing issues with their mental health? Consider hiring a social worker or counselor to provide aid in that way.

From outreach programs to simply providing a safe,free space to exist, there are countless ways in which a library can and should provide access to all. It’s important to remember that providing access to all means all, not just a select few.

Mars, Amy. “Library Service to the Homeless.” Public Libraries Online, Public Library Association, 26 Apr. 2013, publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/library-service-to-the-homeless/.