Homelessness means having no predictable and safe place to sleep. Libraries in rural and small communities are often a source of information and daytime shelter for individuals facing homelessness or housing insecurity. In an already busy library with limited resources, staff may be challenged to respond to the needs of these patrons and to cope with compassion fatigue. This webinar will provide practical insights on providing services to people who don't have stable housing. Learn how to create an environment that feels welcoming, informative and supportive, including ideas for reducing policy barriers. Learn how to host conversations that explore public perceptions, help to debunk myths around homelessness, and strengthen community ties.

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.

Presented by: Mallory Pillard, Director, Carnegie Public Library, Trinidad, CO; and Sara Zettervall, Founder, Whole Person Librarianship, and Community Engagement Librarian, Hennepin County Library, MN

Access Recording

• View Webinar Recording (You will be prompted to login to our free Course Catalog.)

Webinar Attachments

• View slides (pdf)
• View chat (xls)
• View captions (txt)
• Learner Guide (doc) Use alone or with others to extend your learning.
• Reflective Activity for Library Staff (pdf)
  

Related Resources and Links

• Association for Rural and Small Libraries
• WebJunction's extensive collection of Resources on Homelessness and Libraries (includes some info on social workers in libraries)
• Whole Person Librarianship
• PBS Story, Library social worker helps homeless seeking quiet refuge, 2015
  
• Minnesota Homeless Study
• National Low Income Housing Coalition, Out of Reach
• Program Model: Coffee & Conversation, from Dallas Public Library on the Programming Librarian
• WebJunction webinar, The Community Connector: Referring Social Services at the Library
  
• IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to People Experiencing Homelessness
• WebJunction’s Community Partnership and Collaboration Guide
• Libraries and Homeless Patrons on Facebook
• Additional links shared in chat:
  • Colorado State Library report: Removing Barriers to Access: Eliminating Library Fines and Fees on Children's Materials
  • Vocational Awe and Librarianship: The Lies We Tell Ourselves
    
  • Opioid Crisis: Libraries, Resources, Context and Data
  • Webinar: Lunch at the Library
  • Library Anchor Models for Bridging Diversity Achievements (LAMBDA) IMLS-funded project to provide continuing education and improve the knowledge, skills and abilities of library staff who are interested in creating programs that develop and improve services to homeless LGBTQA+ youth (University of Tennessee)
  • The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone, by Ryan Dowd
  • Information on Permanent Supportive Housing