libraries are such an important space
not only for free information, but especially for at risk populations and homeless populations
they offer free or very cheap internet access (which allows for finding resoucres, job applications, etc), free access to information, bathrooms, often places have refreshments for relatively cheap as well, etc. etc.
wanting to make public libraries obsolete is classist and just an incorrect viewpoint tbh
@gingerrroot I'm often surprised how most of the computers at my local library are occupied, several dozens of them.
@gingerrroot Sadly, I have seen libraries which have taken approaches which disenfranchise vulnerable populations. Rules which make it difficult for such people to really feel "safe" in the library, because they are protecting their less vulnerable populations.
The major problem I have is that (from what I've heard), the primary target audience was intended to be *exactly* those vulnerable populations. And that bringing together different vulnerable populations was indeed important.
@JigmeDatse yeah, many places have enacted similar policies/rules that try to keep out vulnerable populations, specifically poor and homeless folks.
i am sad to see and hear libraries doing such things, but i am not surprised to hear it
@gingerrroot I've never really been that surprised to find it to be the case. I am poor, but never been what most people consider to be homeless (ie. I haven't been on the street, or had no official home, but often lived in "substandard" situations that were not expected to be stable).
Too often I wonder just how bad people who look like I do, after ~12 hours out on my feet on a hot day, every day. Or almost every day. I just wanted food and beverage...
@JigmeDatse it’s incredibly sad how poorly people knowingly treat poor folks or just people who “look” poor (whatever that means).
many could do with more compassion and understanding.
@gingerrroot I couldn't agree more. The main downtown library branch where I live literally hired social workers to do outreach with the homeless population in the building. Nothing pushy, but just being there to help if people wanted to reach out. It was controversial, because that's not the job of the library and it obviously meant gov't and other agencies were failing to provide a needed service, but it seemed to help people. I'm not sure if they still do it, though.
@ink_slinger yes!!!!!! that's so good and so cool and more libraries should consider those types of positions, or at least have someone in the city/area in social work that could help if needed.
@gingerrroot
@ink_slinger
The library is also the only place you can sit in the air conditioning and not have to buy anything.
@gingerrroot Right now several of the homeless people in my neighborhood literally live at the library. Like sleep on the sidewalk next to it because the construction that's happening provides a roof and there are benches.
@gingerrroot My local library in #Berlin is running events each Sunday, free of charge. Program varies, there have been live bands, group discussions, 1 on 1 discussion with people from various backgrounds like bird watchers and midwifes, "build anything from stuff in a suitcase" art workshops, programming workshops, try out VR, ...
It is drawing a diverse audience from the local community.
A homeless man sleeping on a couch was left in peace until the building closed.
@gingerrroot when i'm in an unfamiliar city, i always feel better when i stumble into the library because it's the place where i feel safe going inside, sitting down, drinking some water, blowing my nose, saying hello to people. if i can get online and plug in my phone, it's a nice little break to check in with the rest of the world.
libraries are public resources. libraries provide access to things that all people ought to have, even if many people have private access to those things.
@gingerrroot I wish the local library here had a focus on things like that. We have tons of computers, but virtually no help with social services, so most people get online for porn and to get caught up in marketing schemes.
The library staff resents the homeless and mentally ill population. My first writeup was for giving a homeless teen one of my extra jackets on a night when it was below 0 outside.
(As told from the perspective of the former security officer for the library)
@gingerrroot he was wearing his only clothes... A white T-shirt and basketball shorts... He had to walk almost 4 miles to the nearest shelter... Which burned down last year and our local community leaders rejoiced and rebuilt it a mile out of town.... How's that for hospitality!
Oh now I'm getting all angry and stuff.
@gingerrroot I freaking love my local public library. One of the reasons I was so openly weepy about having to move was because I would be leaving an area with a wonderful, inclusive library where you can check anything out including games to a place where the library's open only 2 days a week.
i'm glad u all love your local libraries (or shared that you wish it were better)
but i have to mute this now bc without condensed notifications i am being Swampted
we have a little baby public library on my street that has a street fair once a year to get some funding (it's also historical, so i think it'd be okay either way)
but it's just so great to be able to support them, and our little community, by buying older books, food, etc.
i missed it this year due to work (it was this past saturday) but i do look forward to it every summer.