Homelessness, A National Tragedy

Letting The Homeless Congregate In The Lobby of The Public library Is Not The Answer

Ives Free Public Library, Stock photo

I remember the warmth of my mother’s hand as she guided me up these marble steps leading to enormous metal doors. I was about five, on my way to the children’s reading room for storytime.

I was enchanted as we entered the beautiful foyer leading to a large central lobby. The ceilings were at least twenty feet high, with huge, brightly lit sconces illuminating the space. Books were everywhere, in bookcases along the walls and on free-standing structures in every room. It was a reader’s wonderland.

Towering oak card catalogs were positioned around the perimeter.

I would take the city bus downtown and spend hours there. After finishing my homework, I’d stand at the card catalog, flipping through the many reading possibilities. Little did I realize then this would be the beginning of my never-ending love of books and libraries.

Many years later, owning a business, I had less time at the library, so I began buying books. When the books started to implode in my home, I realized many were not keepers. That’s when I started to frequent libraries again.

Around 2018, something changed in the central branch downtown. Homeless men congregated in the main entrance foyer during the day. They also sat at tables in the main room, with all their belongings in garbage bags beside them, many resting their heads on tables, some glaring menacingly at patrons as they worked.

My first thought was, “How humiliating for them.”

Men would sometimes bathe in the public restrooms. I think I’ll let you use your imagination here. Many men glared at library patrons walking by, while others bowed their heads humbly as women walked in with their children for story time.

Library staff and patrons walked a scary, fine line every day. A few librarians told me the head librarian chose not to push the issue for fear of agitating loud protesters who gathered on the steps.

The protestors’ arguments were well-meaning, but their requests for the homeless were a Knee-Jerk reaction. They screamed, “Put the homeless in the cafe; the library doesn’t need a cafe.” What they failed to understand is the library is not a homeless shelter.

Their requests were disrespectful to library patrons, staff, and the homeless.

Giving the homeless respite from the cold or heat is humane, but until the city comes up with a better solution, the library needs to find a better space for them, instead of allowing them to congregate in the lobby where patrons glare at them, mothers pull their small ones close; they should be given a private room or other resting place. A place away from public scrutiny.

Homeless men and women need a small space to live in, with locks for their safety. A place that is theirs to wash up and prepare their food. A place where medical staff can check up on those who need medications. Mothers with children require a safe place to care for them while they heal from the trauma of homelessness to work on a better life.

Giving them a temporary small home would restore their dignity while they prepare to make life changes. Then, they can use the library facilities as they were intended. Librarians and staff would be happy to help them.

Many cities are successfully building tiny houses for the homeless, but sadly, the majority of cities are putting band-aids on this hemorrhage. They’re asking the public to deal with this heartbreaking issue.

The public is sympathetic but also angry. Walking down any street in the city is like walking a gauntlet. It’s heartbreaking to watch people beg for money.

I inquired why this practice was being allowed. Some librarians told me the library is a free public space, and all are welcome, but sometimes they feel unsafe. Their concern is that many of the homeless are receiving psychotropic drugs.

I mentioned this to my friend, who is a psychiatric nurse. Liz recounted a recent incident she experienced. “I administer medications to this population, Lu. Be cautious.”

Liz continued, “I went into a homeless facility to administer medication. As I walked up the stairs, a woman came at me holding a knife, its large blade catching the sunlight, making it all the more terrifying. I put the tray of medicines over my heart and vital organs to protect me, and luckily, I calmed her down.

This woman was the last person I expected to exhibit this aggressive behavior.”

“Letting the homeless sit in the foyer and in the library proper is not respectful to them or the patrons.”

I have no idea if this will change. There is a new library administrator, so I hope they will find a solution that benefits the homeless, the library staff, and patrons.