FROM THE NEWSROOM: Putnam Public Library officials say that, when it comes to policy regarding homeless community members sleeping in the towns library, its a matter of balancing compassion and practicality – a sometimes tricky line to draw. This discussion about policy enforcement took place following several incidents, primarily over the recent long and cold winter, where library officials received complaints and concerns about the number of alleged homeless individuals sleeping in the library. Library Director Priscilla Colwell says that the states Homeless Persons Bill of Rights is clear that homeless library patrons are not to be treated differently from any other customer. Using themselves as an example, Library Board members agreed that if a member of the Board were to hypothetically stop by the library and nod off in a chair for a couple hours they would not be bothered -- thus concluding that homeless individuals have the right to catch quick naps in the library as well. But Colwell noted that individuals who are trying to catch up on a full nights sleep in the library would still likely be asked to leave; she did say, however, that in very cold or stormy weather library employees may make exceptions out of compassion. Tune in for the full report.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:15:59 +0000
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