“We’ve systemically defunded vital social services for years in Oklahoma now, almost like a blood sport for political gain,” said state Rep. Forrest Bennett, a Democrat. “It’s at the expense of plenty of folks who need our compassion and get cruelty instead, especially kids.”
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Salem Public Library Budget Cuts Disappoint Community
“No librarian wants to cut hours, we want to expand libraries if we could,” said Interim City Librarian Bridget Esqueda.
Since Becoming Fine-Free, Over 21,000 Items Have Been Returned to Houston Public Libraries, Officials Say
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?
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Fine Free Map
The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) created an interactive map of libraries that have gone fine free (regularly updated).
St. Paul Libraries See a Boost After Going Fine-Free
A year later, circulation has grown 1.8% citywide, with some branches seeing double-digit increases.
Homelessness Concerns Aired to City Task Force
“An employee at the main branch of the Worcester Public Library, speaking for herself and not the library, said the main branch serves as the city’s defacto day shelter for homeless people, but employees there often find themselves unequipped to help the homeless patrons. The employee, Elizabeth McKinstry, said the task force should look at staffing social workers at the library to help the homeless people who shelter there.
‘We really need someone onsite to help us do what we want to do as librarians, which is help people,’ said McKinstry.
She also added she was disappointed no one from the library was included on the task force.”
Finding Homes, Jobs for Homeless Youth
“During a 100-day challenge that ended Nov. 8, a coalition of 30 public, private and nonprofit groups set the ambitious goal of moving 150 young people from homelessness to more stable situations. But they exceeded their benchmark by finding housing and/or employment for 236 local teens and young adults.”
Empty Pockets, Broken Spirits: Poverty’s Impact Reaches Far Beyond Money
“It’s like if you don’t go into an area that’s poor, you don’t understand or appreciate the area that’s poor,” City Councilman John Garland, a native Roanoker, said during the kickoff meeting at the Jackson Park Library in Southeast Roanoke.
Turning Poverty Into A Multibillion-Dollar Industry
NPR’s Terry Gross interviews Gary Rivlin, author of Broke USA.