Libraries and the Homeless- Monica Martinez

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The public libraries are a safe haven for all, including those who are homeless. Having access to the programs and resources at the library can be crucial for those who are having housing difficulties. Many libraries are even offering specific programs that are targeted to help those who are homeless. They give assistance with those who need help finding shelter/ housing, food, work assistance, and social service assistance. Some libraries are even hiring social workers in the library specifically to assist the homeless. “Enter Leah Esguerra, the nation’s first full time library Psychiatric social worker” (Trokyna).  Esguerra was hired by the San Francisco library in 2009 because of the high rate of homelessness in the city. The California state library website has the California homeless youth project. This project allows the younger generation to go the policy table and include them in the discussion about how to find ways to help those in need. It focuses on those who are age 12 to 24 who do not have shelter, is experiencing health or mental health issues, their education, and any other issues that we could potentially help with. It is important to remember the library is always there to help those in need.

California Homeless Youth Project , California State Library, library.ca.gov/crb/homeless-youth/.

Homeless Resources, Los Angeles Public Library, www.lapl.org/collections-resources/web-.

 Troknya, Mark. “Social Workers and Librarians Working Together.” Social Workers and Librarians             Working Together " Public Libraries Online, Public Library Association, 14 May 2015,                         publiclibrariesonline.org/2015/05/social-workers-and-librarians-working-together/.


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