Traditionally, a librarian is not trained to provide mental health resources when needed to handle out-of-control patrons, but people can’t be turned away. About four million people in the U.S. go to a library every day, and many of them are homeless.
The American Library Association reports they are using their facilities as shelter, and many cities are struggling to address the problem. This is the heartwarming story of how one facility found a solution.
San Francisco harbors more than 7,000 homeless people. About 750 of them spend time in the San Francisco Library, and out of the 5.000 visitors daily, this makes up a substantial 15 percent of the total.
The large number of homeless people has caused problems with them sometimes cursing loudly among the book shelves or threatening others. The bathrooms are often used for doing drugs, bathing in the sinks and even having sex in the stalls.
Staff members have difficulties coping with out-of-control patrons. They don’t have the same skills as doctors, police officers or social workers, obviously better equipped to deal with emergency situations than a librarian.
But at the same time, people can’t be turned away because they are homeless. A public library must truly be open to everybody. Shelters are usually closed during the day for the homeless to be out and find jobs. And libraries offers free admittance, internet access, and computers.
The solution? In 2009, the San Fransisco Library hired Leah Esguerra, whom SF Gate believes to be the nation’s first psychiatric social worker to be employed full time at a library.
Six years later, the program has helped 150 homeless people to receive permanent housing, according to PBS. The program has helped 800 more to enroll in social and mental health services.
Formerly homeless people have been employed to help keep the place clean and running smoothly. They participate in a 12-week rehabilitation program before being hired.
The first one to get the job was Melvin Morris, who worked 20 hours a week for $12 an hour. His tasks were to monitor the restrooms to make sure they remained clean and safe for the visitors.
“I come from the same place they come from […] When I talk to them, they can’t believe I was actually homeless. I tell them they could do it, too.”
Featured image from Pixabay. Permission to use under Creative Commons.
