Hearing the Stories of the Unhoused
Dallas Public Library

The Dallas Public Library is introducing the homeless community through its new 10-episode podcast series, "On the Block." The podcast is part of the library’s ongoing homeless engagement initiative, which launched in 2013.

“We hope that listeners will have a greater awareness of the various circumstances that lead to homelessness and the complexity of navigating services to get help,” said library community relations administrator Melissa Dease. “Perhaps by hearing their stories firsthand, it will lift some of the stigma around people experiencing homelessness.”

Hundreds of members of the city’s homeless community use libraries to access computers and the internet, books, and for a place to escape the heat or cold. The library also offers mentorship and personalized assistance programs. The staff interviewers often have similar conversations on a daily basis through the library’s Coffee and Conversation program at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, Dease said.

Read more from D Magazine and listen to the episodes that have been released so far.

Designed By the Community
Multnomah County Libraries

A recent feature from Oregon Artswatch gives an in-depth look at how Multnomah County Libraries are showcasing the refreshed Central and the 19 other libraries being updated, built from scratch, or expanded with the $387 million bond voters passed in 2020.

“With this new architecture and these new spaces, we hope to really engage the patron in a much more collaborative way,” says Multnomah County Library Director Vailey Oehlke. “It’s not just a passive relationship, where the patron walks in and asks for something, receives it, and leaves. The patron now will be able to come, meet other people, collaborate, and learn. Maybe the staff helps guide them, but there will be so much more opportunity for the people to shape their own experience.”

Equally new is the architectural ethos that drove the designs. From the spaces to the colors, inside and out, to the public art, the 2020 bond’s new libraries are being shaped as much by patrons as architects. To slightly twist Oehlke’s phrase, they will stand as “platforms by community determination.”

Read the full piece from Oregon Artswatch.

Enhancing Inclusivity Through Policy
Milton Public Library

The Milton Public Library has unveiled a series of policy updates to create a more welcoming environment for all community members. The most notable change involves simplifying the process for obtaining a library card. Adults and teens will now find it considerably easier to access library resources, as proof of identification is no longer required for card registration. This adjustment, implemented last month, is a strategic move to eliminate barriers and ensure that all individuals can freely enjoy the library's collections and services.

Even more significantly, the library now offers complimentary membership with full borrowing privileges to individuals residing on First Nations reserves in Ontario. This initiative underscores the library's commitment to supporting First Nations communities and encouraging exploration of its comprehensive offerings.

Sarah Douglas-Murray, CEO of the Milton Public Library, emphasized the library's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. "Our aim is to foster a library environment that is as welcoming and inclusive as possible," she stated. "By streamlining our card registration process and establishing clear membership categories, we are actively working towards eliminating obstacles and enriching the lives of all our patrons."

Read the full article from the Hamilton Spectator.