“Libraries from California to Colorado, Pennsylvania to Missouri, are finding themselves on the front lines of a battle they never anticipated fighting.”
Saving Lives in the Stacks: How Libraries are Handling the Opioid Crisis
Category: library-and-info-science
How Denver Public Library Balances Books And Being A Homeless Shelter
Denver Public Library says its central location is somewhat of a homeless
shelter.
“That is a role that we have not asked to play, but are playing,” says Michelle Jeske, the city librarian for Denver.
Librarians Across America Are Using Their Powers For Political Good
“The current administration’s early stances on civil liberties are troubling,” he said. “There are indications that they would support changes that could curtail free expression, whether it’s ending net neutrality or changing libel laws to make it easier to sue someone for saying unpleasant but true things about you.”
Kansas City Public Library Embraces the Homeless
Libraries Struggle With A New Role: Social Services Center
“We don’t judge anyone as they come in,” said Hawaii State Librarian Stacey Aldrich. “That’s the beauty of a library. That’s the way it should be. We’re one of the most democratic spaces.”
The Hawaii State Public Library System is seeking $146,556 over fiscal years 2018 and 2019 to hire a manager who would be responsible for training library staff statewide and creating partnerships with social service agencies.
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Dallas Library Strives To Be Haven For Homeless
“A big city library has turned around the way it deals with some of its most marginalized visitors. The Dallas Public Library has committed to not just tolerating—but welcoming—every homeless person who walks through the door.”
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COURTNEY COLLINS / KERA NEWS
Loussac Library in Midtown Anchorage Gets Social Worker
Loussac Library in Midtown Anchorage will station a social worker inside the library to help some of the Anchorage’s most vulnerable patrons.
With More People Living Outdoors, Portland's Mobile Library, Street Books, Grows
“People in Portland are really good readers,” Street Books librarian Diana Rempe said during a shift behind St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. “They’re amazing readers, whether inside or outside.”
Literacy Initiative Puts Child Libraries in NYC Homeless Shelters
“Brooklyn Public Library is proud to serve the diverse needs of a diverse borough—and when families cannot reach us, we will bring our collections and programs to them,” said Nick Higgins, Director of Outreach Services for Brooklyn Public Library. “By partnering with agencies like DHS, we are able to serve the community beyond our 60 branches, ensuring that families from every walk of life can access our free, life-transforming resources.”
Library Offers Homeless People Mental Health Services, And It’s Working
“The library becomes a sanctuary for many of the patrons and our program helps them to feel safe again.”