Is it illegal for public libraries to ban homeless and drug addicts?

[Anonymous]

NYT article says libraries are constantly dealing with opioid overdoses. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/28/nyregion/librarians-opioid-heroin-overdoses.html

The comment section has people from all over the US, city and suburbs, saying they avoid their library because they're too scary, de facto homeless shelters with drug dealing, obvious mentally unstable, sex offenders surfing porn, violent crime, bed bugs, body odor, needles in the bathroom, overdoses.

One comment asked "Why are homeless drug addicts the most important people in society all of a sudden? Libraries were not intended for this. Families can't go there anymore, readers are scared. All that matters is the junkies. What kind of a world are we living in?"

[Anonymous]

Ive seen plenty of homeless people at the library, They are usually calm and working on the computers. Or in the Winter they are trying to keep warm. Is it ideal? no, but what would you suggest? Id rather teach my kid to have empathy for others who need a warm place to hang out. I have never seen them in the childrens sections.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NYT article says libraries are constantly dealing with opioid overdoses. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/28/nyregion/librarians-opioid-heroin-overdoses.html

The comment section has people from all over the US, city and suburbs, saying they avoid their library because they're too scary, de facto homeless shelters with drug dealing, obvious mentally unstable, sex offenders surfing porn, violent crime, bed bugs, body odor, needles in the bathroom, overdoses.

One comment asked "Why are homeless drug addicts the most important people in society all of a sudden? Libraries were not intended for this. Families can't go there anymore, readers are scared. All that matters is the junkies. What kind of a world are we living in?"

Our library stopped allowing bags and suitcases in the library (you are allowed only one small purse or backpack) which helped and locked the children's bathrooms (need to ask a librarian for a key). It is a problem but you cannot reasonably refuse to allow an adult into a public library.

A solution would obviously be to have more welcoming and safe places for the homeless and mentally ill to go. If the public library is all that is open to them, then that is where they are going to go.

[Anonymous]

What’s sad is that people are viewed as rodents, pests and animals and not actual human beings.

Public libraries alllw anyone and everyone. Yes, that includes individuals who are homeless. If there is a behavior exhibited that breaks a rule or code of conduct they will be removed just as anyone else would be. There very presence isn’t doing anyone any damage. Teach your child empathy, if you can.

Your comfort level isn’t more important than their right to exist. They are people.

I lived in a college town for 5 years. Our library was amazing and expansive and on any day you’d see many unsheltwred people within the walls. I brought my kids, no issues. Never did I feel unsafe. Never did I see any problems.

Sometimes libraries are the only place where a person can escape the elements. Homeless shelters are often closed ruing the day or are understaffed. Would you prefer they freeze to death. I bet I know the answer.

[Anonymous]

How exactly would they ban drug axdicts? Administer drug screenings at the entrance?

[Anonymous]

I've noticed everything OP mentioned at my local library (west coast sanctuary city). It's awful and I seldom go to the library anymore, especially the main branch downtown. It's like a homeless shelter and I feel unsafe. The bathrooms are used for bathing and drug use. There are dogs everywhere, loud (LOUD) talking, bugs (I've been bitten by fleas and bedbugs in two different branches) etc. Homelessness has become a major problem in this country and it needs to be addressed. I don't have the answer though.

[Anonymous]

DC has fairly strict rules, as described by 14:23 - only one bag, locked bathrooms, and in some libraries there's some sort of sign that disruptive patrons could be asked to leave.

I think that's what it really comes down to - I love the library, and want to enjoy it, and I can't if someone is being disruptive. DC libraries are pretty vibrant, active places. All are welcome - within boundaries.

How to help homeless people is a separate discussion, I believe. Help that population. Create spaces for them. But these are separate issues.

[Anonymous]

I know our public library started locking the restrooms because the homeless would set up camp in the handicap stall and sleep on the cold days. Mothers complained because the handicap stalls are the ones that have the baby changing stations.

I know most places now only allow them to hang out inside for a short period of time before they kick them out... the mall, grocery stores, fast food joints, bookstores.

It’d help of our homeless shelter was open during the day, but since it’s run by voulunteers, it closes 8am-6pm. That’s a long time to be outside on the cold days.

[Anonymous]

I volunteered at a homeless shelter that closed at 7 a.m. Everyone would head for the library once it closed. They were just looking for a safe, warm place to pass the time and often mentioned how friendly and helpful the staff were. I frequented the library they went to and you would never know there were homeless people there.

I would agree with PPs that there are not enough places for homeless people, especially during the day. But I'm glad the library welcomes those who would otherwise have no place to go.

[Anonymous]

^ This!

[Anonymous]

Everyone should be allowed in public libraries unless they are otherwise breaking a law, like disturbing the peace.

[Anonymous]

I stopped going to libraries altogether, even though libraries used to be one of my favorite places in the world. I loved books so much that I used to work in a bookstore. My preschoolers also love books and would spend all day in a library if we let them. But they aren't pleasant places for us anymore. On the contrary, they're actually a bit stressful.

There are sketchy people in there so I can't just let the kids wander around unsupervised to explore, some of the people smell so horrific that they clear out entire rooms, I won't let the kids touch any pillows or fabric seating because I'm concerned about bedbugs, some of the books are obviously filthy with who knows what, and I refuse to use the bathrooms.

With more things being available online, I think the days of the public library are numbered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stopped going to libraries altogether, even though libraries used to be one of my favorite places in the world. I loved books so much that I used to work in a bookstore. My preschoolers also love books and would spend all day in a library if we let them. But they aren't pleasant places for us anymore. On the contrary, they're actually a bit stressful.

There are sketchy people in there so I can't just let the kids wander around unsupervised to explore, some of the people smell so horrific that they clear out entire rooms, I won't let the kids touch any pillows or fabric seating because I'm concerned about bedbugs, some of the books are obviously filthy with who knows what, and I refuse to use the bathrooms.

With more things being available online, I think the days of the public library are numbered.

This has been my experience, also. I live in Montgomery County and there are many nice libraries. I found one which, for whatever reason, doesn't have the above mentioned issues. I used to love Rockville Library, but it became over run with homeless people and assorted vagrants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ive seen plenty of homeless people at the library, They are usually calm and working on the computers. Or in the Winter they are trying to keep warm. Is it ideal? no, but what would you suggest? Id rather teach my kid to have empathy for others who need a warm place to hang out. I have never seen them in the childrens sections.

Would it bother you if you did see them there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone should be allowed in public libraries unless they are otherwise breaking a law, like disturbing the peace.

Well, yes. Libraries don’t discriminate based on whether a patron has a certain type of house or no house at all. But the rules of conduct apply equally to all.