“For those who are trapped in poverty and have many other circumstances that make daily existence difficult, it is even more challenging if you’re not connected to the internet,” said Sunne Wright McPeak, CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund. “This is as much a problem if not more so today if you’re trying to navigate any system or get assistance, find shelter, find food and help without having the internet.”
Category: library-services-for-poor-people
Long Beach Library
The public can now donate various goods and gift cards to help people who are unhoused at all city library locations and other sites throughout Long Beach.
ShowerUp (a collaboration between nonprofits, the library and village hall)
“A sociologist named Patrick Sharkey coined the term, ‘collective efficacy,’ to describe how the institutions work together to create community. In that regard, [Director] Shaker said, ‘Our library team feels stupendously lucky to be operating in a community that has organizations and village staff who are so open to collaboration and idea sharing. It really makes Forest Park a great place to work in.'”
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.”
New Haven Free Public Library Wins Grant To Hire Social Workers
“The New Haven Free Public Library won a $46,155 grant earlier this month to fund a full-time social worker Monday through Friday at the main branch library on Elm Street.”
Coos County Libraries to Offer Free Social Work Services
A social worker will be available in three Coos County libraries and it will be a free service.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Wants to Get Rid of Late Fines
“The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library intends to soon stop fining patrons for overdue books, joining a growing national trend to support some of the most vulnerable library patrons.”
Champaign Public Library Declares No More Overdue Fines
“Best news ever. This is seriously a game changer for me. I had late fees from when I was in the hospital and wouldn’t go back because I couldn’t afford to pay them.”
Meeting the Needs of Library Communities During COVID-19
How are needs being met for people who are experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Please take this HHPTF survey. It is anonymous and your IP address will not be tracked. There are fourteen (14) questions in the survey.
McCormick Library Pilots a New Approach to Homeless, Troubled Patrons
“A unique intramural partnership bridges the Dauphin County Library System and county Human Services to create new avenues in crisis response.”