We simply use what we call radical trust. I didn't coin the term - read it somewhere. We ask new patrons for their address and just get them a card. No proof needed. We are, admittedly, in a smaller town in Iowa where there isn't a large homeless population. There are homeless - typically people staying with others or couch surfing. We don't charge fines (except cost of materials for lost/unreturned items after 8+ weeks).
For people who have said they are visiting we've allowed them to use the local address with verbal permission from the person(s) they are staying with or we've also just offered them free books from our book sale shelf. I'd rather generate good will and give someone material to read than turn them away.
I've also talked with a librarian from a larger Iowa public library and they offer a limited card that allows patrons without an address to check out three pieces of material at a time (any materials they choose so DVDs, audiobooks, books, etc.)
I love this topic!
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Jennifer Garner
Library Director
North Liberty Community Library, Iowa
jgarner@northlibertyiowa.org(319) 626-5778
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Original Message:
Sent: Oct 08, 2021 09:13 AM
From: Megan Thomas
Subject: Suggestions for Topics Regarding Libraries and Homelessness?
I would like to see alternatives to requiring addresses for library cards and to hear about the pros and cons of systems who have ditched residency proof requirements.
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Megan Thomas
Youth Consultant
State Library of Louisiana
Original Message:
Sent: Oct 07, 2021 02:07 PM
From: April Sheppard
Subject: Suggestions for Topics Regarding Libraries and Homelessness?
All,
SRRT is planning an event in February focusing on libraries and homelessness. What topics would you like to see covered?
Thanks!
April
April Sheppard
SRRT Coordinator-Elect
SRRT Past Coordinator
RRT Advocacy & Resources Committee Chair
SRRT & RRT Web Committee
she/they/her/them
Dean B. Ellis Library | Assistant Library Director
P.O. Box 2040 | State University, AR 72467
Phone 870.972.2766 | asheppard@astate.edu
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