Libraries and the Homeless

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Blogger: Kristin Krahmer

Public libraries have long been associated with providing services to all patrons, including people that are struggling and find themselves homeless.
For example, at the Jacksonville Public Library in IL, in January of 2020, there was an increase in the number of homeless patrons, so the staff decided to partner with the Illinois College sociology department to study how the library could best serve and provide resources “for low-income and housing-insecure folks” (Jacksonville Journal-Courier). All patrons are welcome to stay inside the library as long as all policies are being followed - the library is a welcoming space for all. There is computer access, printer access, and wireless internet. ALso, each semester, the Jacksonville Public Library brings in sociology interns from local MacMurray College to offer library patrons help searching and applying for employment, unemployment benefits, social security benefits, and if needed, emotional support.
Another amazing example of the connection between library services and the homeless can be found in Queens, NY, with the Queens Mobile Library that visits homeless shelters and brings books, videos, and free WiFi to families, children, and single parents. Since 2016, the “mobile library has served nearly 1,400 children and adults who reside in family shelters in Queens, signing residents up for library cards and helping them learn more about what the wider library system offers” (Bruinius).
References:
"Library, IC team up to help homeless." Jacksonville Journal-Courier [Jacksonville, IL], 20 Jan. 2020, p. NA. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A611792312/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=8b1588b2. Accessed 28 Apr. 2021.
Bruinius, Harry. "Books on wheels: When the library comes to the homeless shelter." Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2019, p. NA. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A604498531/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=59cad033. Accessed 28 Apr. 2021.

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