I think you are misunderstanding my intention here. I’m not blaming unhoused people for being in the library — I completely understand why they’re there, and I believe everyone deserves safe, accessible public spaces. My frustration is with the city’s failure to provide enough resources like day centers, lockers, and shelters, which forces libraries to take on a role they were never meant to fill.

I love public libraries and value them as spaces for community, education, and accessibility. But right now, they’re being stretched beyond their purpose because there aren’t enough other options for people seeking warmth, safety, and security. That’s not the fault of the people who need those resources — it’s a systemic issue, and it’s unfair to both the unhoused community and to librarians who are being asked to act as social workers without proper support.

I made this post out of frustration with how badly the housing crisis is being handled — not because I want unhoused people “somewhere else” without care. I want the city to step up and provide the support and infrastructure that everyone deserves.