Public libraries and the homeless
NPR's "Talk of the Nation" devoted a segment today to public libraries and how they are often used as a shelter and gathering place for the local homeless population. The segment featured Chip Ward, the former assistant director of the Salt Lake City Public Library, who discussed the
op-ed piece he wrote which appeared yesterday in the Los Angeles Times.
posted by Amy at 10:26 PM
5 Comments:
The Columbus Dispatch ran this brief related item about a month ago:
Powell woman to appear on 'Montel'
Powell resident Suzannah Crowder will be a guest Monday on The Montel Williams Show.
Crowder says she was homeless, 7 1/2 months pregnant and close to suicide when she stumbled across Jack Canfield's first book, Chicken Soup for the Soul, at a library, where she'd sought refuge from the cold.
"I picked up the first book I could get to and went and hid behind the microfiche machines to read because I didn't want to get kicked out," Crowder tells Montel.
The book, she says, enabled her to turn her life around.
Today, she is a counselor and public speaker who works with the homeless. She's also working with Canfield to open Chicken Soup Kitchens. Canfield will also be a guest Monday....
Wow! That's a powerful story. Thanks for including it in your blog.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for posting my story.
I remember when I was in the first grade at Indianola Elementary School in Columbus and my teacher, Mrs. Prescott, took us to the Columbus Public Library downtown- the same library where I sought shelter that day. Mrs. P said, "If you ever have a problem, the answers are in here," pointing to the huge white building.
Thank you to Mrs. Prescott for the advise! You know, we never know how our words or actions, as small as they may seem, may someday affect the life of another.
Hugs and high-fives,
Suzannah L Crowder
Hello Suzannah,
It is rewarding to know that libraries really do change lives! Thanks for your post, which was wonderful to see!
Dear Susannah, I just watched you on Montel and I cried for you. I can't imagine how awful it was be pregnant and homeless. I'm so glad you're well now. Did you keep your baby? Or put it up for adoption?
If I ever see a homeless woman I'd like to help her. Some of the homeless men I'm afraid seem to scary to go near.
Good luck with the Chicken Soup kitchen's I think that's a fabulous Idea and I'd love to help.
God bless
Joanne (NY)
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