Library's 'problem populace' needs cooperative city to find solution

"There is a problem, however, as anyone who has used the temporary downtown library (in the Washington State Convention and Trade Center) can attest. To a very noticeable degree, the library's facilities serve as domestic space for some of the city's transient, mentally ill and homeless populace. The chairs and tables in its reading rooms are occupied by (mainly) men engrossed in conversation or taking naps. The restrooms are places for far more than personal hygiene; a member of the library's executive staff tells of encountering a man in the hallway who had just emerged from the men's room and who inquired as to where he might find a plug for his iron. (It seems he had a job interview and wanted to spruce up his shirt. To her credit, the librarian took the man to her office.) In brief, the library serves as an institutional substitute for home -- for people who do not have one."

I was struck by a couple of things in this article: first of all, it highlights an interesting situation that I haven't seen addressed in print. Second, it identifies some of the causes of the problem. However, it didn't include any feedback from librarians or library patrons on the situation. It's worth noting that the finge element are citizens too (and thus as entitled as anyone to library services). If we tossed the homeless out of the library, where would they go, I wonder? Probably off to be tossed out of some other locale.

Thanks to my wonderful wife for the link.