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author, authorcommunity, bookworm, librarians, library, Life, read, reading
Libraries are the new front line in America’s mental-health crisis. One of the few public spaces open to all, some people come to the library to sleep, get warm or use the bathroom. Others are looking for jobs, housing or just somewhere safe to read. According to the Wall Street Journal, “about two-thirds of nearly 600 librarians surveyed by Urban Librarians Unite in 2022 said they had experienced violent or aggressive behavior from patrons.” Staff members must be trained to reverse overdoses in bathrooms, confront patrons watching pornography and fend off people brandishing weapons.
Six years ago, fewer than two dozen libraries in North America employed full-time social workers. Today, more than one hundred do, and even more have social-work interns.
Renee Garrison is an award-winning author and past president of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.
Renee Writes Now! 