Public Libraries and Homelessness

As homelessness increases across the UK and in other parts of the world, public libraries, as one of the only places in society in which one can exist without the expectation of paying for the privilege, have become a key safe space for homeless individuals. This has, however, led to growing tensions between library users and increasingly overworked and overstretched staff, who are expected to do more with ever-tightening budgets. This much needed, agenda-setting book examines the topic of public libraries and homelessness, and explores how public libraries can remain welcoming towards homeless users while also dealing with staff concerns. Drawing on an in-depth qualitative study completed by public library staff from across the UK, this book covers the history and state of homelessness in libraries; the needs of homeless library users; barriers facing homeless library users from library staff and wider society; the value of social workers and external organizations; public library policies; and approaches to changing staff and societal attitudes to homeless library users.