Realistic Public Library Services For Homeless Patrons
Running head: REALISTIC PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES FOR HOMELESS PATRONS
Realistic Public Library Services For Homeless Patrons:
Examining Homelessness and How it Relates to Public Library Service
Bill Sannwald
San José State University
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Realistic Public Library Services For Homeless Patrons
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Abstract
This article explores the issue of homelessness in relation to public library service. Homelessness
is a societal problem, but libraries have the opportunity to provide realistic services to improve
the lives of this special patron group. The article examines the current statistics of homelessness
in the United States as well as the factors that cause homelessness. Many of the specific
problems associated with providing library services to homeless members of the community are
highlighted. Recommendations are made on some of the standout ways public libraries can better
provide services to homeless patrons while keeping these goals realistic and feasible.
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In an impassioned opinion piece published in Library Journal, Blaise Cronin (2002)
states the following: “A library is not a community masturbation center. A library is not a porn
parlor. A library is not a refuge for the homeless. A library is not a place in which to defecate,
fornicate, or micturate. A library is not a bathing facility.” Though Cronin only makes one direct
statement about the homeless, all of the issues mentioned can be directly related to problems
associated with providing library services to homeless patrons. Cronin (2002) goes on to argue,
“Libraries are not shelters and librarians should not be viewed as surrogate social workers.”
However, as anyone who has worked in a public library can most likely attest to, separating
library work from social work is often not so easy. As Ayers (2006) states, “Serving the poor and
homeless presents one of the greatest challenges America’s public libraries have ever faced.”
While it is true that public libraries are not institutions for social work, it is very possible
that they can still benefit the many homeless patrons that utilize libraries on a daily basis. If only
on a level of being an equalizing force in providing access to information, public libraries can
play a major part in the lives of its homeless patrons. In fact, according to the American Library
Associations’ Policy Manual, doing so is precisely within the scope of what is expected of public
library service. “The American Library Association promotes equal access to information for all
persons, and recognizes the urgent need to respond to the increasing number of poor children,
adults, and families in America” (2006). In regards to the ALA’s stance, Ayers (2006) observes,
“Clearly the ALA has a compassionate, concerned, and serving attitude toward the nation’s poor
and its homeless. That attitude should filter down to all libraries and become a catalyst for
change in the lives of the poor and the homeless. It should also be a catalyst for change in
libraries.”
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Providing realistic library services to homeless patrons is a tall order, but by
implementing changes that are reasonable and still within the possible range of practical services,
libraries have an opportunity to better serve a segment of their patron base that is often
overlooked, unwanted, and ignored. It’s important to realize that public libraries can’t be
expected to work miracles, but at the same time, it is possible that improved services to homeless
patrons can be attained. Libraries shouldn’t tackle the issue alone, but instead should work with
local organizations to form partnerships and better understand the needs of their homeless
patrons. Even minor improvements and alterations in the way public libraries provide services to
homeless patrons can have a larger positive impact on the lives of many homeless library users
and the communities they live in as a whole.
An Examination of Homelessness in the United States of America
Most individuals, especially those who live in or have visited metropolitan areas, are
familiar with the social issue of homelessness. However, defining what constitutes a person as
being homeless is not as straightforward as it would seem. “Even the definition of homelessness
remains disputed. Some observers say it means residing in a shelter (or outdoors) for more than
six months, other say anyone without a home is homeless” (Triplett, 2004). The Federal
Government’s definition leans towards the latter. According to the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (2008), a homeless person is defined as follows:
An individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and an
individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is: A.) a supervised publicly or
privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations
(including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally
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ill); B.) an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be
institutionalized; or C.) a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a
regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
Even with the above definitions in mind, it is critical to note that a great deal of diversity
exists within homeless populations. Knowing this is especially important for information
professionals working in libraries that service homeless patrons. “The homeless are not a
homogenous population. Providing information services that are most useful and thus most used,
becomes a simpler task when target audiences are more defined and more specific. Different
homeless groups have different information needs” (Hersberger, 2005). No matter what the
definition of homelessness may be, then, it is imperative to realize that a great deal of diversity
exists within homeless populations, and homeless people should be thought of as individuals,
each with their own personal needs and desires. As Grace (2000) points out, “Homeless people
are not stereotypes; they are members of our society. They come from all national and ethnic
backgrounds.”
Though often viewed as a more recent problem, specifically one sparked during the
1980s, homelessness has actually been a social issue from before the earliest days of the United
States. When examining the culture and communities occupied by “tramps,” “hobos,” and
“bums” throughout United States history, Kusmer (2002) notes, “The homeless have been a part
of American civilization almost since the founding of the first English colonies four hundred
years ago.” Since homeless communities have existed throughout the entirety of American
history, then, it is little wonder that the problem still persists today. “Although the contemporary
homeless differ in many respects from their hobohemian and skid row predecessors, they still
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largely defy the label of ‘disaffiliation’ and, in fact, continue to forge communities even in the
absence of a permanent shelter” (Depastino, 2003).
Estimating the number of homeless individuals in the United States can be a daunting
challenge. The best estimates come from information provided by homeless shelters. According
the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Status Report on Hunger & Homelessness (2007), 193,183
unduplicated individuals used emergency shelters and/or transitional houses in the 21 cities
surveyed. Of this number 76% were individuals, 23% were members of households with
children, and 1% were unaccompanied youth. The National Coalition for the Homeless (2007)
estimates that in any given year, 3.5 million people experience homelessness, with nearly 40%
(1.35 million) of this total being children. The United States Census (2008) estimates the national
population as roughly 304,700,000, which means that almost 1 out of every 100 people is
homeless.
Numerous factors have contributed to homelessness throughout the existence of the
United States. “Historically, the great causes of homelessness have included pilgrimage, war,
famine, social upheaval, itinerant labor, alcoholism, and the lure of the open road” (Hopper,
2003). However, the levels of homelessness have not remained constant over time and the factors
contributing to homelessness have been varied and changing. Currently, the homeless population
in the United States appears to be increasing. “Researchers conclude that counts of both
homeless individuals and homeless families have increased dramatically since the 1950s and
1960s. The causes of this growth in number of homeless families are multiple, complex, and not
well understood” (Lewit & Baker, 2002). As to the factors affecting rising homeless populations,
Ayers (2006) states:
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After World War II homelessness was almost a nonexistent condition in America. Cheap
sleeping rooms only were easy to find in urban areas. This continued until 1980. There
was a sharp rise in homelessness in the 1980s due to several factors. The Reagan
administration’s policy of deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill and its funding cuts for
subsidized housing contributed to the increasing in numbers. Another factor was the
breakdown of marriages. Many people divorced and that thrust many women and
children into poverty. The nation’s illegal drug problem also contributed to the rise of
homelessness.
Thus, it can be argued that there is not one simple cause for homelessness, and in many
cases it is a combination of reasons that results in individuals becoming homeless. Further, while
the myriad factors that contribute to homelessness are known, there is some disagreement on
which particular causes represent those that are the most prevalent. For instance, Stoops (2005)
lists the three major causes of homelessness as being the lack of affordable housing, the lack of
affordable health care, and poor paying jobs. Meanwhile, in reported causes of homelessness
amongst singles and unaccompanied youth, U.S. Conference of Mayors (2007) reports the main
contributing factors are mental illness, substance abuse, lack of affordable housing, poverty, and
unemployment. Table 1 provides a percentile view of these listed factors. For reported causes of
homelessness among households with children, the main reasons are lack of affordable housing,
poverty, domestic violence, low-paying jobs, and unemployment. A more detailed account of
these factors can be found in Table 2. Of single homeless individuals, 77% are men and 23% are
women, whereas with homeless families 84% have single mothers as head-of-household, with
only 16% of homeless families having fathers present as a member of the family unit. (Ayers,
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2006). Clearly, homelessness continues to be problematic to combat because of the numerous
circumstances and scenarios that can lead individuals becoming homeless.
Table 1.
2007 Reported Causes of Homelessness Among Singles and Unaccompanied Youth
Mental Illness
Substance
Abuse
Lack of
Affordable
Housing
Poverty
Unemployment
65%
61%
43%
39%
22%
Note. The source of for this data is U.S. Conference of Mayors Status Report on Hunger & Homelessness
Table 2.
2007 Reported Causes of Homelessness Among Households With Children
Lack of
Affordable
Housing
Poverty
Domestic
Abuse
Low-Paying
Jobs
Unemployment
87%
57%
39%
30%
26%
Note. The source of for this data is U.S. Conference of Mayors Status Report on Hunger & Homelessness
It is also important to understand that the demographics of the homeless population in the
United States are significantly varied in terms of ethnicity, and this diversity differs from region
to region. A report from the National Coalition for the Homeless (2007) states, “Like the total
U.S. population, the ethnic makeup of homeless populations varies according to geographic
location. For example, people experiencing homelessness in rural areas are more likely to be
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white.” As with homeless populations, securing hard statistics about the homeless population’s
ethnic makeup is difficult, with most reported information coming from homeless shelters.
Currently, the best estimates of homeless ethnicity show that African-Americans represent the
largest portion of the homeless population, followed by Caucasians, Hispanics, Native
Americans, and Asians (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2007). Table 3 provides an
estimated statistical breakdown of the ethnic composition of individuals experiencing
homelessness in the United States.
Table 3.
2007 Estimates for Ethnic Background of Homeless Individuals
AfricanAmerican
Caucasian
Hispanic
Native
American
Asian
49%
35%
13%
2%
1%
Note. The source of for this data is National Coalition For the Homeless 2007 Who is Homeless? Fact Sheet
Considering the statistics examined above, it is clear that the high level of ethnic, gender,
and familial diversity that exists with the homeless population, coupled with the numerous
factors contributing to homelessness, provides a seemingly insurmountable challenge for public
libraries. However, it is a challenge libraries will have to tackle. Libraries have always
functioned to be reflections of the communities they serve, striving to meet the needs and
expectations of a continually changing patron base. Pollard (2008) states, “The role of libraries in
communities has changed drastically during the past 40 years. No longer limited to primarily
holding a collection of books to be checked out or used for reference, libraries today serve a
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broad range of essential community needs and constituents.” With homeless patrons often a
substantial part of public libraries’ user bases, finding ways to meet their needs is critical for
libraries to fulfill their proper roles. However, public libraries also need to find a balance
between providing realistic and manageable services versus venturing into social work territory
beyond their capacity and scope. Libraries alone cannot solve the social issue of homelessness,
but they can contribute to its decline in numerous ways.
Homeless Patrons in Public Libraries
In most any public library system, a certain percentage of the user base is most likely
homeless. Given the widespread social issue of homelessness in the United States, it’s inevitable
that public libraries should find themselves servicing homeless patrons. After all, it is within the
realm of service of public libraries to provide equal access for all members of the community.
“Public libraries provide free and open access to knowledge and services to all residents
regardless of income, race, or age. They are a neutral, respected gateway to information and a
safe place between work and home that offers equal access to all community members” (Pollard,
2008). Being open to all members of the community proves libraries to have the potential to be
influential equalizers in the cities and neighborhoods they provide service to, but that does not
mean all members of the community value the services libraries provide to special groups such
as the homeless.
Perception of Homeless Individuals and their Use of Public Libraries
There is a perception that library patrons are divided into two groups: “deserving” and
“undeserving” (Hersberger, 2005). The deserving poor represent individuals that become
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homeless through no fault of their own and are represented by such subgroups as homeless
families, homeless children, and individuals making strides to improve their situation. The
undeserving poor, on the other hand, are people who become homeless due to reasons such as
substance abuse, divorce, or teenage pregnancy (Ayers, 2006). Viewed from a different angle, it
can be surmised that the idea of deserving and undeserving represents the perception of whether
or not individuals are worthy of library use. These perceptions are not only limited to members
of the community, but can also be held by library staff as well as homeless individuals
themselves. It is far too common that library staff members view the homeless as “problem
patrons,” but as Isaacson (2006) argues, “Maybe we should all think twice before we label some
of our users as problem patrons.”
All the same, problems related to how homeless individuals are perceived continue to
exist in public libraries. Most, if not all, information professionals would agree that in keeping
with an ideal vision and goal for public library service—namely that all members of the
community have free, equal, and indiscriminate access to resources—homeless patrons have just
as much right to library use as anyone else and should be treated accordingly. However, the
reality is that homeless patrons, and the problems that come with servicing them, continue to
stand out as challenges for staff and patrons. Chattoo (2002) states:
Library staff and others consider them nuisances. Coping with problems associated with
street people such as lack of access to proper sanitation and hygiene, lack of interest in
the same, and sometimes mental illness, can affect the library as well as those who spend
time in it. Some street people smell so badly that they cause nausea. Sleeping street
people may snore so loudly it disturbs contemplation. For hygiene reasons patrons may
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fear handling materials touched or used by street people. As a result many librarians
classify “street people” as “problem patrons.”
In order to best provide free and equal access to all members of the community, staff and
community members should put aside any preconceived discriminatory notions about homeless
individuals being problem patrons. “Categorizing an entire class of people as ‘problem patrons’
is outright discrimination” (Hersberger, 2005). Still, it is unrealistic to believe that discrimination
will ever completely be eradicated, especially in a public place where homeless individuals share
the same resources and are often directly in contact with other members of the community. “The
rich and the poor can sit side by side at a reference desk, can check out the same books, and can
attend the same book discussion panels” (Pollard, 2008). Therefore, library patrons may object to
the presence of homeless users, especially given the aforementioned preconception of worthy
and unworthy patrons. “Taxpayers expect library staff to provide library services and leave the
homeless to social workers” (Ward, 2007). Nevertheless, while a percentage of any homeless
community may prove to be problematic, especially in a setting such as a library, there are also
individuals who take full advantage of the resources libraries offer.
The most popular perception of library use by homeless patrons is as a day shelter. “With
nowhere else to go, society’s down-and-out flock to libraries for clean restrooms, comfortable
chairs and a safe haven” (Dokoupil, 2008). No doubt, the library is an attractive and safe haven
for countless homeless patrons with no residence or place of employment to go to during the day.
“Homeless people think of the library as a place they feel safe, where they can be warm and dry,
chat with their friends, play chess, read” (Grace, 2000). However, though some homeless
individuals may use public libraries for the purposes of shelter, others have proven to be
interested in fulfilling a wide variety of informational needs. Hersberger (2005) lists the most
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popular topics of information sought amongst homeless individuals as finances, relationships
with others, childcare, housing, health and heath care, employment, education, transportation,
and public assistance. These needs are directly correlated to the reported causes of homelessness,
suggesting that homeless library patrons are most interested in information related to the issues
that caused their homelessness in the first place. As previously stated, a great deal of diversity
exists within homeless populations, and therefore it is critical to recognize that just as with any
other group of library patrons, homeless individuals are interested in public libraries for
numerous reasons beyond a place to find shelter during the day.
Problems Caused by Homeless Library Patrons
Despite many homeless individuals using public library services without causing
disturbances, there are a number of key problems associated with serving homeless individuals
that stand out. Naturally, it is from these issues that the perception of homeless individuals as
“nuisances” or “problem patrons” stems. Unfortunately, because the homeless are often
perceived by both library staff members and community members as a homogenous group,
individuals causing problems stand out as being indicative of homeless communities as a whole.
Whether through actions or simply body odor, the presence of homeless patrons in public
libraries can be disruptive to other users. However, library policies should be generated as to
address such disruptions without the presence of discrimination. “All libraries must put
regulations into place that serve the library’s function and ensure that all patrons are handled
fairly and legally” (Kelly, 2006).
Perhaps the most visible problem caused by homeless individuals is erratic, strange, and
even dangerous behavior resulting from mental illness. “Patrons who are mentally ill often cause
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the most concern and anxiety for library staff. These users may be quite harmless, yet their
aberrant behavior can range from a mild nuisance to very stressful incidents in which security
guards or police must be called” (Redfern, 2002). As previously explored, the leading cause of
homelessness amongst singles and unaccompanied youth is mental illness. It can naturally be
inferred, then, that a great deal of homeless individuals frequenting public libraries suffer from
mental illness. In fact, with many homeless individuals not having access to adequate health
services, mental illness may occur as a result of homelessness. “Of the most visible ‘on the
street’ homeless, about one-third or perhaps up to fifty percent are suffering from mental illness.
Most authorities agree that of the mentally ill homeless, about half become homeless as a result
of an existing mental illness, the other half become mentally ill as a result of becoming
homeless” (Musselwhite, 2006). As long as mental health services remain a scarce resource for
homeless patrons, public libraries will unfortunately have to continue wrestling with the fact that
mentally ill patrons will find their way through the library doors.
The high rate of substance abuse amongst homeless populations also poses a significant
difficulty for public libraries, especially since so many homeless individuals are already
suffering from mental illness. “Alcohol and drugs mix with depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar
disorder, and paranoia in complex ways, so it is hard to pull any given disorder apart and
understand just who this person in front of you, cursing or pleading or thrashing on the floor,
may be. Public librarians, of course, are not trained to do this” (Ward, 2007). The San Diego
Regional Task Force on the Homeless (2002) estimates that “65 percent of all homeless adults
suffer from chronic alcoholism, drug addiction, severe mental illness, or some combination of
the three” and that “half of homeless adults abuse substances.” Given the potential for
unpredictable and unsafe behavior that can be caused by individuals under the influence of
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alcohol or illegal drugs, not to mention the possibility that this problematic behavior may be
amplified by mental illness, public libraries servicing homeless patrons are certain to be exposed
to disturbances by homeless individuals. On the surface, handling disruptive situations is
succinctly summed up by Kelly (2006) who states, “disruptive behavior may be barred.”
However, because public libraries are unsuited to handle substance abuse and mental health
issues, “librarians often have no good choices and, in the end, just call the cops” (Ward, 2007).
The poor hygiene of many homeless patrons poses an additional problem for public
libraries. With little access to showers and hygiene products, homeless patrons are often unclean
and unkempt. This becomes a critical issue when considering “the chronically homeless share
bus stops, subways, park benches, handrails, restrooms, drinking fountains, and fast-food booths
with us or with others we encounter daily, who also share the air we breathe and the surfaces we
touch” (Ward, 2007). Libraries often create rules of use by patrons that directly address such
issues, but enforcing them can be problematic. In 2005, the San Luis Obispo’s long-running
policy on rules of behavior by patrons became law, meaning “A patron may be asked to leave for
having an offensive odor or banned for other infractions such as fighting, eating, drinking,
sleeping, playing games, printing or viewing illegal materials on library computers, or for not
wearing a shirt or shoes” (Stewart, 2005). Of these issues, body odor in particular is a spotlight
concern that many public libraries have tackled with uneven success. Ward (2007) states:
The library wrestles with where to draw the line on odor. The law is unclear. An
aggressive patron in New Jersey successfully sued a public library for banning him
because of his body odor. The decision has had a chilling effect on public libraries ever
since. When library users complain about the odor of transients, librarians usually
respond that there isn’t much they can do about it. Lately, libraries are learning to write
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policies on odor that are much more specific and can be defended in court, but such rules
are still hard to enforce because smell is such a subjective thing—and humiliating
someone by telling him he stinks is an awkward experience that librarians prefer to avoid.
Having clear and detailed policies regarding health and cleanliness is imperative when it
comes to addressing problems with body odor and other personal hygiene issues, but applying
them in an indiscriminate way is not as easy as it might seem. Hersberger (2005), for instance,
points out that “policies need to be applied equally” but “few refer to those wealthy enough to
douse themselves in fragrance as problem patrons.” Still, creating library use policies that are
legally sound and leave little room for misinterpretation is the best ammunition public libraries
have in handling the hygiene problems that come with homeless patrons. “Libraries can eject
patrons solely on the basis of objectionable appearance or hygiene. However, the criteria for
ejection must be specific. In particular, the criteria should fit within a legal standard, not the
subjective opinions of library staff” (Kelly, 2006).
Providing resources to homeless patrons certainly comes with numerous problems that
public libraries need to address in order to provide the highest level of service possible. While
barring library use by any individual or group is unfortunate, there are instances in which certain
behaviors and other issues may hinder the use of libraries by all other patrons. However,
restricting access to the small percentage of patrons causing problems allows public libraries to
“provide a diverse array of critical community services in a public space that brings together
people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests seeking to improve their lives” (Pollard, 2008).
Creating an environment that is comfortable and reasonable for all library patrons is certainly an
ongoing struggle for public libraries, but striving to create a library setting that meets the wants
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and needs of the highest number of users while still keeping access free and equal is a goal worth
working towards.
Recommendations For Realistic Library Services to Homeless Patrons
Public libraries have the potential to positively affect the lives of all patrons, including
the homeless. “The library can become a gateway to a new life if the homeless discover the
resources it contains” (Ayers, 2006). However, unless libraries create a welcoming environment
and provide resources to meet the needs of homeless patrons, the mission of providing free and
equal access to all members of the community has failed. While libraries obviously cannot play
all the roles needed and provide all necessary services and resources in order to fully combat
homelessness, there is still an opportunity available for public libraries to play a beneficial role in
the lives of the homeless patrons they serve. Put simply, “libraries are organizations that can
better the lives of homeless users” (Hersberger, 2005).
One of the main duties libraries can fulfill is providing a safe and hospitable haven for
homeless patrons. That said, libraries are not shelters and should not be treated as such. Rather,
libraries should simply be institutions open to all members of the community free from the fear
of discrimination or exemption. “The barriers to information access at the public library
disappear in a place where homeless and near-homeless people are comfortable, like a shelter
that they know and frequent” (Castle & Clyde, 2002). Thus, feeling comfortable in libraries no
doubt leads to homeless patrons exploring more of the resources and services that are available
to them. Simply providing acknowledgement of an individual can go a long way in improving
their feeling of belonging and worthiness to receive service. As Stoops (2005) states, “people
need someone to say hello, smile, offer a friendly handshake, and ask their name. You should
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always acknowledge a person.” As simple as it sounds, it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that
homeless patrons are individuals, each with their own feelings, hopes, needs, and dreams.
Making public libraries places where homeless patrons feel relaxed and accepted is the first step
in providing excellent service.
Understanding the informational needs of homeless community members is vital for
public libraries so as the most needed resources can be secured and provided. “Public librarians
must be committed to human rights, and should consider what human beings require to become
content, enlightened and fulfilled” (de la Pena McCook & Phenix, 2006). Without knowledge of
what homeless patrons are seeking and how to fulfill their needs, public libraries cannot fully
perform their true intended function. Forming partnerships with local organizations that work
with the homeless is perhaps the best possible way to understand the demographics and needs of
homeless communities. In fact, one of the key objectives of the ALA’s (2008) policy on Library
Services to the Poor highlights the need for “networking and cooperating between libraries and
other agencies, organizations, and advocacy groups in order to develop programs and services
that effectively reach poor people.” Grace (2000) states, “Librarians can make it their business to
become acquainted with advocates for homeless people, who often act as intermediaries between
homeless people and the establishment world and are in a good position to be able to identify
specific, special needs.” By sharing information with other library systems and partnering with
local organizations and agencies, public libraries can gain a wealth of knowledge as well as a
crucial support base that will provide insight and assistance in how best to meet the needs of
homeless communities.
Once libraries have a better understanding of their homeless user bases, the most relevant
and needed resources can be provided. As previously discussed, homeless individuals have a
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wide range of informational needs, most of which are directly related to the causes of their
homelessness. As it is important to remember that the homeless are by no means a homogenous
group, it can be surmised that as with any other patron group, homeless users each hold
individual needs and desires that cannot be fulfilled with a blanket set of resources. Nevertheless,
working with local organizations and agencies will provide libraries with information on the
most requested services and needs of homeless in their respective service areas. Grace (2000)
notes that many of frequently requested and utilized services include “literacy programs, access
to employment information, and information about local services for homeless people such as
showers, food banks, and health care.” In more recent years, public libraries have helped to
bridge the digital divide as “urban libraries have found that Internet access is particularly
valuable for homeless people” (Ayers, 2006). Access to computers provides homeless users with
an important informational, educational, communicative, and recreational tool. For instance,
Ayers (2006) notes that homeless individuals use e-mail “to exchange tips with similarly situated
friends around the country” as well as “stay in touch with family.” As long as there is an
understanding of the specific needs of homeless users, public libraries have the opportunity to
provide relevant informational resources and tools to homeless patrons.
Outreach efforts can inform individuals experiencing homelessness about the resources
that libraries offer. Castle & Clyde (2005) highlight relevance and sustainability as the two key
factors in library outreach services, with relevance meaning “making sure you are meeting an
actual need, not just doing something” and sustainability meaning “having a certain amount of
caution and testing.” Keeping efforts strong and making changes and adjustments as needed are
mandatory factors of any successful outreaching program. One of the more unconventional
outreach efforts is exemplified in the Los Angeles Public Library system’s Camp LAPL, “a five
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day pilot program at the downtown Central Library aimed at familiarizing transient kids with
library services” (Abramsom, 2003). Providing transportation to and from a nearby homeless
shelter, Camp LAPL presented homeless children with access to storytime programs, meals,
library cards, and access to library materials and computers. “Before the week was over, children
from the downtown area began coming to the library on their own and enjoying the computers
and books. Even better, they returned to their shelters and hotels to tell their peers about the fun
they had at Camp LAPL” (Abramsom, 2003). While not all public libraries have the funds or
resources to provide outreach efforts like Camp LAPL, it is important to note that outreach often
results in drawing new patrons to libraries. Providing positive experiences for homeless library
patrons and exploring various avenues of outreach in the community will help to attract new and
reluctant patrons that can benefit from the library’s services.
Other examples of services public libraries have offered to the homeless include seminars
about health care services, music appreciation and arts classes, Internet classes for homeless jobseekers, storytime events in homeless shelters, and more (Motsinger, 2007). In fact, some
libraries, such as the Free Library of Philadelphia, have even hired homeless patrons to work in
libraries, filling roles such as bathroom attendants who “pick up trash, give out pamphlets, and
offer advice to homeless patrons” (The New York Times, 2006). Other libraries have removed
requirements needed to issue library cards with great success. In England, for example, “libraries
run by Essex county council removed the need to provide proof of residence and found that there
was no loss of stock” (Jacobs, 2007). In short, there are numerous opportunities for public
libraries to provide services to homeless patrons that have the potential to make a positive impact
upon their situations. Through understanding the needs of local homeless populations and
working together with other libraries as well as agencies specializing in working with the
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homeless, libraries are better equipped to handle the problems associated with providing
pertinent and appropriate services and resources to homeless library patrons. Even though a
certain percentage of homeless patrons may not utilize the services offered, it is vital that
libraries continue their attempts to provide important information and resources in a free,
accessible, and equal way to as many community members as possible.
Summation: Providing Service to Homeless Patrons
Libraries are representations of the communities they serve, both in terms of the types of
resources made available and the patrons who use them. Libraries have multifaceted roles in
communities and are used for various reasons by each individual. In addition, public libraries are
social equalizers, providing the same access to resources for all users, regardless of gender, age,
ethnicity, or socio-economic background. Though the needs and desires of patrons shift by
region and over time, public libraries can keep abreast of how to provide the most needed and
desired services by having a firm understanding of the demographics of their user bases. It does
no good to provide services that do not match the communities libraries reside in.
Although the makeup and demographics of users change from community to community,
the widespread social issue of homelessness results in most public libraries having to face the
serious obstacles that come with providing services to homeless individuals. As Grace (2000)
notes, “Homeless people look for open doors, literally and figuratively, and they find one—
literally and figuratively—at the local public library.” While the homeless are by no means a
homogenous group, understanding the key causes of homelessness, current statistics on
homelessness, and the most sought after services by homeless patrons will better equip public
libraries to meet the diverse needs of such a challenging group of users.
Realistic Public Library Services For Homeless Patrons
22
While homeless library users are often labeled as “problem patrons” by library staff as
well as members of the community, it is not fair to discriminate against an individual simply for
being homeless. “Human dignity, human rights and libraries intersect when citizens are denied
library service because of their economic status” (de la Pena McCook & Phenix, 2006). Even
though the homeless as library patrons come with their own set of problems, including mental
illness, drug and substance abuse, and body odor, it would go against the core values of public
libraries to deny free and equal access to any community members. Of course, when problems
arise libraries must take action, but enforcement of rules and policies must be clear and fair.
Libraries are not equipped to solve the social issue of homelessness. Rather, libraries can
only be a part of the solution, but even this can make a significant difference in the lives of
homeless patrons. An issue of there being a difference between “deserving” and “undeserving”
poor perpetuates in the minds of many library staff and community members, but it is critical not
to think of homeless individuals in terms of their worthiness of receiving library services.
Homeless patrons utilize the library in a number of different ways, ranging from seeing the
library as a safe haven during the day to seeking information on a wide variety of subjects such
as finances, health, employment, and housing. Understanding the needs of the homeless user
base will aid public libraries in providing the most relevant and important resources possible.
Libraries are not shelters and librarians are not social workers, but public libraries can
still supply critical services to homeless individuals. Providing a safe and comfortable haven for
all community members, providing free access to vital information, and simply treating homeless
patrons as people are all important ways in which libraries can help better the lives of individuals
experiencing homelessness. Additionally, partnering and working with local agencies
experienced in working with homeless populations will provide public libraries with much-
Realistic Public Library Services For Homeless Patrons
23
needed information and support. Of course, there are a percentage of homeless individuals with
problems and needs that are beyond the scope of public libraries, but that does not mean other
homeless patrons should not be provided with resources and assistance as a result. The choice of
how well homeless patrons are served by public libraries is ultimately made at the local level. “It
is up to the individual librarian to what degree she or he will defend the principles of human
rights” (de la Pena McCook & Phenix, 2006).
Homelessness has been a social problem since the earliest days of the United States, and
it is an issue that still persists today, perhaps more so than ever before. As such, as long as there
are homeless individuals in the United States, homeless patrons will no doubt continue to be a
presence in public libraries. Accordingly, there will always be internal and external opposition to
providing service to challenging special groups such as the homeless. Cronin (2002), for
instance, argues, “Social inclusion is a noble goal and sound public policy, but it should not be
construed as a license to abandon time-honored standards and expectations concerning behavior
in public spaces such as libraries.” While disruptive and inappropriate behavior should not be
tolerated, social inclusion is indeed a critical component of public libraries. Even though the
specific resources offered and roles played by public libraries may change over time, libraries
will unquestionably remain representative of the communities they serve. Consequently, as long
as homelessness persists, providing free, equal, and relevant resources to homeless patrons will
remain a significant part of public library service.
Realistic Public Library Services For Homeless Patrons
24
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