You may be aware that a new movie titled The Public was released Jan. 31. The film depicts homelessness in the library, and we would like to fully prepare staff for any questions they may be asked about homelessness as a result of the film. Below are key messages and strategies that may be helpful as you consider questions library customers may have.

You can view the trailer HERE [1].

RELEVANT KEY MESSAGES REGARDING THE LIBRARY AND HOMELESSNESS

• The Metropolitan Library System welcomes all people, regardless of housing status, and is an important component of the ecosystem that supports Oklahoma County’s population experiencing homelessness.
• The role of the library continues to evolve as a community-driven organization. The library’s mission and vision are directly aligned with the public services we provide to all members of the community, to “grow smarter communities” and to be the “community’s hub” regardless of income. These values are also in line with the message of the American Library Association (ALA), which “promotes equal access to information for all persons, and recognizes the urgent need to respond to the increasing number of poor children, adults, and families in America”.
• Homelessness is a community issue, and the Library is a key player in conversations about this issue. According to the 2017 Point in Time Count [2] of homeless individuals in the OKC area, it is estimated that 5,500-7,000 people experience homelessness each year in OKC.
• The Library engages with community partners including the City, County, the Homeless Alliance, United Way, and other organizations to address the needs of the homeless.
• Media requests can be directed to our Marketing Director, Kim Terry ([email protected]) [3].

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES FOR RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC

Be proactive and get ahead of the conversation

• Engage in staff discussion about The Public and homelessness in the library to better equip staff to engage with customers who want to discuss the movie and its themes.

Be prepared with local information

• The Homeless Alliance provided us with a list of local resources that they frequently utilize. Access it HERE [4].
• Raise awareness of United Way’s 2-1-1 [5] service to help locate temporary housing, food, and many other services [6].  
• Raise staff and the public’s awareness of the resources in their local community, which include resources available to the homeless and make those resources readily available.
• Be aware of extreme weather conditions and provide information about resources available to the homeless during these sometimes life-threatening weather conditions.
• Be prepared to talk about a few of the efforts already in place to support those experiencing homelessness:
  • Metro staff have received training to assist those experiencing homelessness. If you haven’t taken the course, “A Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness” on EduBrite [7], now is the time.
  • Trained Metro staff and community partners regularly aid the homeless by assisting with technology skills, résumés, job search and interview skills.