Homeless Turn To Public Libraries

A lack of attention to the problem of homelessness is turning our public libraries into homeless shelters.

1 minute read

August 13, 2007, 10:00 AM PDT

By Michael Dudley


"[America has a] dirty little secret: our libraries have become de facto daytime shelters for the homeless -- and librarians have become de facto social workers. All because of our nation's ongoing failure to address the problems facing the homeless.

On any given day, you'll find a group of homeless regulars at the Central Library, ensconced at tables or slouched in chairs. Most of the time, they cause no problems. Sometimes, though, they ruffle the serene surface of public life. By talking loudly. Bothering other patrons. Smelling bad. Their presence typically arouses annoyance...or revulsion.

What we should feel is shame.

Social agencies and shelters are often overwhelmed, underfunded and unavailable during the day. After more than a decade of "temporary" emergency shelters, city leaders have yet to come up with a comprehensive plan for helping these lost souls."

Friday, August 10, 2007 in Wichita Eagle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business