Libraries and the Homeless
by Karen Nicholson
Homelessness is an important issue for all libraries. I have mostly seen articles and discussions that focus on public libraries and their homeless population. They talk about the rules that are in place, sometimes to keep the homeless out of the library, which often includes not being allowed to sleep in the library and not being allowed to stay if they have a strong odor. One way to help this population is to bring mobile showers to the library site and allow the homeless to use it and basic supplies for free. According to Ruhlmann, this has already happened within the San Francisco Public Library system (43). Another way to get around strict rules and regulations within the library, that may not be enforced fairly across the board is to stick to one rule: “If you’re doing something that interferes with someone else’s use of the library it is not allowed” (Ruhlmann, 42).
Homelessness is also a very important issue for school libraries. I work in a public middle school library and I know that there are several students within the school’s population that are homeless. I do not know exactly who they are, nor do I try to search them out. Instead, I try to make the library as welcoming and safe for all students. I try to enforce all of my rules fairly and across the board. I also try to make as many connections as possible with the students that visit me. I will take the time to chat with a student when they are visiting the library and try to say hello to familiar faces when I seem around campus. I have a large number of students that visit the library before school. Most are sitting at tables talking to friends and checking their phones. All 10 of my computers are filled with students playing games and interacting with their friends. At least 5 of the computers have 3 or 4 boys crowded around watching what the others are doing. (We have a computer lab that is open before school for homework.) I usually have several tables with students finishing homework or reading books. If I see someone breaking the rules I ask them to leave, but tell them, every time, that they are welcome back, either at lunch or the next day, depending on the severity of the incident. “School, especially the school library, may be the only thing a homeless student can count on as a place that is safe, comfortable, and full of books, magazines, online resources, and more that can bring enjoyment and respite from the daily stresses of his or her life” (Adams, 53).
It is important for all students to have access to books and textbooks, especially if they are homeless. School libraries should try to be flexible when it comes to their homeless students. They should still be allowed to check out books to be used away from school. If the books are not returned, and a reason is given (like they no longer have access to the books), their fines should be waived and allowed to continue to having access to books and checking them out. According to Adams, school librarians need to keep in mind that it is not the student’s fault for no longer having access to a book (53). It is also important to make sure there are current, quality books in the library about the homeless, especially relating to children.
Here is a video on successful student who was a homeless high school student:
Sources:
Adams, Helen R. "Serving Homeless Children in the School Library -- Part 1." School Library Monthly, vol. 27, no. 3, Dec. 2010, pp. 52-53. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=55620520&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
"Attending School As A Homeless Child." YouTube. Stories by Stassy, 1 Apr. 2015. Web. 25 Apr. 2017.
Ruhlmann, Ellyn. "A HOME to the HOMELESS." American Libraries, vol. 45, no. 11/12, Nov/Dec2014, pp. 40-44. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=99206614&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
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