Public Libraries: Battling Homelessness on the Frontlines

Prime Focus: US libraries on the frontlines of homelessness

Navigating the Complex Intersection of Libraries and Homelessness

The intersection of Libraries and Homelessness

Public libraries, the cornerstone of communities across the United States, are increasingly finding themselves on the frontlines of the nation’s homelessness crisis. Especially in the midst of a winter characterized by bitter cold snaps, and with the reopening of many public institutions post the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries have become a refuge for those without shelter. Yet, this role comes with its own set of challenges, for both library staff and the communities they serve.

Ryan Dowd, from Homeless Training, a conflict resolution program for frontline workers, points out the complex position library staff find themselves in. While they are dedicated to serving all patrons regardless of their socioeconomic status, they often lack the training to deal with individuals facing untreated mental illness, drug addiction, and other challenges. Libraries, compared to shelters, offer a different environment. They are quiet and clean and provide a space for communal use. This makes them an attractive option for the unsheltered, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Many homeless individuals, without permanent addresses, are assisted in obtaining library cards, which serve as an entry point to the library. Ty Bellamey of the Black Lives of Humanity Movement highlights that these individuals often frequent libraries to escape police scrutiny and the potential theft of their belongings. They seek shelter from the cold, hunger, and exhaustion, even if they are handicapped or have recently been released from jail. This trend is not limited to those without shelter, as even those with access to beds in shelters often leave to read books or use library computers.

In recent years, libraries have expanded their role to connect unsheltered individuals with basic needs. In Las Vegas, hygiene kits are provided, while nearly 30 libraries in the greater Las Vegas area are designated Safe Place sites for homeless youth. In downtown Chicago, outreach staff organize meetings to facilitate connections between case managers and unsheltered individuals, assisting them in acquiring public benefits and filling out housing applications. A library in Salt Lake City offers free clothing for homeless residents, many of whom reside in encampments along a nearby river.

This growing responsibility has led many libraries to add social workers to their staff. Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada, the American Library Association president, points out that public libraries often serve as the first point of contact for people with serious needs. This includes referring homeless patrons to other community agencies. Regardless of their housing status, library services, and facilities are designed to cater to all patrons without judgment.

Prime Focus: US libraries on the frontlines of homelessness

However, conflicts between library staff, homeless individuals, and communities have emerged. In some areas, particularly those with higher socioeconomic status, the opposition towards the homeless is pronounced. There have been instances of physical altercations and concerns about safety. Ryan Dowd emphasizes the importance of pre-conflict engagement with homeless individuals, stressing that a positive interaction can go a long way in generating goodwill.

As libraries continue to grapple with the challenges of homelessness, it is evident that they play a vital role in providing sanctuary, resources, and connections for some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Balancing these responsibilities is not easy, but it is a testament to the enduring importance of public libraries as a cornerstone of our communities.

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