Are libraries really for EVERYONE?

I recently attended a workshop titled A Place For Everyone. The intent was to bring together librarians to discuss ways we can help and promote an environment in libraries for those members of society who are considered either homeless or poor. It was not the intent to leave out other groups who might also need services, but homelessness and libraries is one specific issue that needs to be addressed and that was the focus of this workshop.

The president of the Homeless Alliance, Dan Straughan, gave an extended presentation and role play exercise to help us experience what homelessness might be like. Highlights from his presentation include:
1. He has personally created a database which is now shared by all service agencies. It is an excellent resource for the providers as it allows them to help the recipient keep track of where and when they have appointments and help them to get there. For example, their case worker can schedule a doctors appointment, is and if they went or not. If not, they can reschedule it for them, give them a bus pass, etc.
2. His knowledge of the homeless was extensive and he wanted to make sure we knew that the fastest growing segment of homeless are families with children.
3. He is starting a day shelter in Oklahoma City called WestTown. It will house agencies such as a pharmacy, library extension, employment training, medical clinic, government benefits, mental health treatment and more. Please feel free to check out the website for further information at http://homelessalliance.org/projects.htm.

Due to some recent cases having gone to trial concerning library services to the homeless, two of the presenters were lawyers from the ACLU. However, review of the first amendment is always advantageous for librarians. The hot topics were:
1. The library is a limited public forum
2. What is fairness vs library tolerance
3. Importance of written policy with specific and non-ambiguous language, ie nuisance as opposed to objectionable
4. Not to impede the corollary right to receive information

The third presenters were from Positive Tomorrows, an educational service for homeless children. The most important points were:
1. Literacy is the biggest barrier
2. They are encouraging libraries to bring their services to the shelters
3. This agency is a service provider specifically to homeless children and their parents, they provide an excellent service, want to work with libraries and will take any referrals.

I hope I haven't been too long winded or too brief. My finals points are:
1. Services are available, but if they are inaccessible they cannot be helpful.
2. Libraries are, like it or not, service providers to the homeless and we need to help.
3. There are so many areas for librarians to be involved, it doesn't have to be with the homeless. Pick an area that is interesting to you and get involved. It will improve the library, the community and yourself.

And the answer to the question is......YES, libraries are for everyone!