The city has begun initial work to use a portion of the long-vacant old Central Library to shelter homeless residents.
City Setting the Stage to Make Old Central Library a Homeless Shelter
Category: social-exclusion-and-inclusion
[C-EDU] The Connected Library: Vetting and Partnering with Social Service Providers (webinar)
Date: Thursday, August 11, 2022 Time:2:00PM – 3:30PM ET
Description:
As we have witnessed the social, financial, and mental health challenges of our patrons escalate during the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries must connect and build relationships with local providers focused on these needs so that we may serve our communities as effectively as possible. This session will explore why it is imperative that libraries connect with social service providers in their communities, how to cultivate these connections, and tips to make sure the agencies you work with are effective, ethical partners.
This webinar will be recorded.
Scott County Library Permanently Eliminates Overdue Fines
“This is going to be getting more materials into the hands of more Scott County residents, which brings us closer to the library’s mission — connecting all residents with resources, support and opportunity,” Scott County Library Director Jake Grussing said. “I think one of the best ways to do that is to create a penalty-free, welcoming environment for anybody who wants to use the library.”
Roxbury Library Goes Fine-Free
In announcing the new policy, the library said its board of trustees “is dedicated to creating a library that is more open, equitable and understanding of our community,” and explained that “eliminating fines for overdue materials means more people in our community have greater access to the Library’s vital materials, resources and services.”
Cambridge Public Library Goes Fine Free
The Cambridge Public Library no longer charges fines on late returns or renewals. This ensures that everyone has access to library books and materials, regardless of their circumstances.
Chicago Public Library Extends Hours
“Every day is a day for learning. Chicagoans need and deserve access to information and technology every day of the week. Adding Sunday hours in libraries across the city is an important step in our commitment to equity and access,” said CPL Commissioner Chris Brown. “Mayor Lightfoot’s leadership and support for expanded Sunday hours has been instrumental in bringing this opportunity to all Chicagoans.”
Booklist Committee Volunteers Needed
From picture books onwards, “home” as a predictable, stable and safe place is a central subject despite a significant percentage of people who experience homelessness. These experiences are not often written about and if they are, not positively reflected in literature. To create more equitable literacy learning environments, as well as providing a counterpoint to the negative images so often created, we need opportunities to explore economic diversity and to challenge harmful discourses about people experiencing homelessness.
With this in mind, the Hunger, Homelessness and Poverty Task Force of SRRT (HHPTF) is creating a booklist of recommended books for all ages, as well as a guide to help with selecting books that are respectful and supportive of people who are experiencing homelessness.
Interested? Email us!
Phoenix Public Library Goes Fine Free
Starting November 18, 2019, Phoenix Public Library is fine free. Phoenix will be the first of the 5 largest U.S. cities to adopt a fine free program.
Chicago Public Library is Fine Free
To date, Chicago Public Library (CPL) is the largest library system in the country to go fine-free. Starting October 1, CPL will eliminate overdue fines on all CPL-owned items currently in circulation, which it said will remove barriers to basic library access, especially for youth and low-income patrons.
Duluth Public Library Eliminates Late Fees
“We’re moving away from a punishment model to a more positive model,” said Carla Powers, Duluth Public Library manager. “The public library is not only for people who can always remember to return things. It’s not only for people who have the capacity to pay an overdue fine.”