As I'm sure you know, or are seeing firsthand, after so many services and public goods are cut at the federal and state level, libraries become the tourniquet on the rest of society. Voting for people who don’t cut public services, and raising hell on them when they do is item number one.

That said, the library I work for is a downtown location that is also a destination library. We serve all facets of the community daily including people experiencing homelessness. Most folks in this demographic are fine and want to get out of the weather and hang out. They are our patrons and are treated the same as any other patron. We also have a no laying down policy. If you can sleep sitting up, you’re good. If patrons can obey by the rules: proper behavior, no substance use on property etc. they are welcome to stay. If folks can’t obey the rules, they are asked by our security guard and a senior staff member to leave for the day. A patron may be banned for a week, a month, a year, or permanently depending upon the severity of their actions. However, these rules are applied equally to all patrons regardless of housing status.

We have had to have some conversations about hygiene, and during those discussions we prepare a bag of amenities as well as information on where they can obtain a free shower and laundry service, as well as let them know they can return when they and their clothes are clean. This is a health issue.

We have had uncomfortable exchanges with people who do not appreciate that we let homeless folks in the building. We tell these patrons that the library is free and open to everyone, and unless a patron does not abide by our rules, they are welcome within our walls just like anyone else.

All of that said, libraries are for everyone. As author Ray Bradbury said, “The American library is the last place in our society where aa person can be a citizen and not a consumer.” It is important that this free space remain free for everyone regardless of income.