Public Libraries and Homelessness

As homelessness increases across the UK, public libraries, as one of the only places in society in which one can exist without the expectation of paying for the privilege, have become a key safe space for homeless individuals. This has, however, led to growing tensions between library users and increasingly overworked and overstretched staff, who are expected to do more with ever-tightening budgets.

This much needed, agenda setting book, examines the topic of public libraries and homelessness, and explores how public libraries can remain welcoming towards homeless users while also dealing with staff concerns. Drawing on an in-depth qualitative study completed by public library staff from across the UK, this book covers:

• The history and state of homelessness in libraries;
• The needs of homeless library users;
• Barriers facing homeless library users from library staff and wider society;
• The value of social workers and external organisations;
• Public library policies;
• Changing staff and societal attitudes to homeless library users.

This book is essential reading for any librarian seeking to support homeless library users and transform their library into an inclusive and welcoming space.

Kavan P. Stafford is a Senior Librarian at NHS Lanarkshire and worked for several years in Glasgow's public libraries. He is on the board of CILIPS and is the chair of the CILIPS Council. In 2023, he was included in the CILIP 125 list of the next generation of library leaders, and in 2024, he was shortlisted for Scottish Library and Information Professional of the Year for his work on homelessness in Glasgow Libraries. He has presented on the topic of public libraries and homelessness at national conferences and has written about the issue for publications like The Big Issue.