Libraries are a place of connection—something we humans desperately need. However, unhoused individuals are disproportionately removed from public spaces for conduct violations like sleeping and hygiene.
The Library Experience Office helps people living with trauma stay in libraries by training staff on trauma-informed approaches to service, staffing social workers and Community Service Representatives, and building partnerships with mental health and social service organizations to support library patrons and staff.
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community service interactions with patrons facing homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, and other traumas
and nearly 2000 individuals are referred to social services and mental health resources last year.