A library district in suburban Chicago (Schaumberg, Illinois) is implementing rules governing library user’s odor and library sleeping habits, but is stressing that the rules are not aimed at homeless users of the library.
This is a little hard to believe, as they also stress that they aren’t planning to invoke the rule against patrons who fall asleep while reading, but those who go into the library with the intention of sleeping.
A little background: I started my library career in the Brookfield (IL) Public Library, and during the winter months, we had several homeless patrons who spent many hours each day in the library. Odors? Definitely. One person in particular was so strong that I had to hold my breath whenever I was within 5 feet of him. Just writing this is evoking the exact memory of the smell.
Initially, I didn’t understand why they were allowed. I am sure that many of our patrons left the library sooner, and perhaps didn’t return as often during the winter months. We definitely received complaints. But the director, someone who I have grown to respect more and more over the years, insisted on allowing them a safe haven during the freezing temperatures.
My suggested solution? Find a way to get people the services they need. Resources for the homeless have improved, and everyone in need should avail themselves of those resources. If those resources aren’t available, or even if the people who need them won’t use them, do not deny to them what may be their one safe shelter. I occasionally wonder about the people I encountered as a page, and hope that their lives improved; but even if they didn’t, I feel happy that the library I remember so fondly also served as a safe place for them.
article found via LISNews
