Anyone who reads my blog knows that I’m concerned about the plight of the homeless. No one should have to live on the streets, IMO.  Not in a civilized society.   In many cities, the homeless can often be seen  in public libraries. Our local library  removed all the couches, which helped a little.   But many men and women  still manage to fall asleep slumped over in chairs.  Should the homeless be allowed to sleep in the library?  And if not, why?

Three reasons:

1. Public safety.  Statistically, many homeless are drug addicts. who could be running out of money for their next fix.  When I walk past them– snoring in a chair beside  a backpack– I feel somewhat apprehensive.  Yes, there are many employees and patrons around, but as we know, that doesn’t always stop a random attack on innocent people.

 Library employees are not social workers or police officers, and they are  not  expected to deal with this problem—nor should they be.  Naturally, some folks might doze off while reading a book or magazine, but when it goes on for an hour or more, here’s what I would suggest:  Call a plain clothes police officer who can gently awaken the individual and offer to connect them with someone who can help.  Wait with that person until you’re sure they have found a roof over their head.  If they refuse shelter, then they really must  be banned from the library.

2. Public health. Because of where they live,  and lack of running water to clean up,  a homeless person could be carrying a communicable disease. Whether you touch them  or not, they are breathing the same air as you. They’re also using the restroom, touching handles, faucets and door knobs.

3. Humanitarian concerns.  If they are truly homeless, their needs should not  be ignored.   Suppose you saw  a child asleep in the library. . Would you walk past them as if they didn’t exist?  Of course not.  You would ask a librarian to  awaken the child , find his parent , or refer him to some social service agency if he was alone.  Or, if  someone fainted , an alert librarian would call an ambulance if the patron had no companion..   Surely, a homeless person deserves the same consideration.

No man is an island.  A homeless person is part of our collective humanity.  Should they be encouraged to sleep in the library?  I don’t think so.