depository library are seldom just book repository . Many offer community armed service like stratum , meeting room , and research assistance . But one loaning library in Cincinnati is get above and beyond the usual first moment , providing aid to the homeless population in their area during normal business organization hours .
WCPO Cincinnati ’s Lucy May and Emily Maxwellprofiledthe Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County this week , noting that the Main Street location has opened its doors for people in need of a bathroom or a position to be protected from inclement weather . It ’s part of a insurance to welcome those looking for shelter . Many are repeat visitant that staff have get along to know by name .
It ’s also not all the library does . A pilot program in March invited social avail to carry confluence in their atrium that cover theme like dependency , recovery , and mental wellness . Employees also assist with business software , heap slate printing , and other job that mass without a permanent residence may discover take exception . For recently give up prison inmates , the library also help in reentry , facilitate them with identification needs and job search that highlight occupations assailable to felon .
David Siders , the library ’s civic troth coordinator , told WCPO that the services are an effort to bolster the community and fracture away from some of the conventional thinking about the office of libraries . “ Traditionally , libraries have been : ‘ You want to learn more ? Come check out a book , ' " he said . " Now it ’s more , ‘ How can we help you ? How can we help your quality of living ? ’ We ’re not diminishing the economic value of playscript , but we ’re heighten our religious service . ”
[ h / tWCPO Cincinnati ]
