Free Meals served at San Mateo County Library (Source: San Mateo County Library Blogs)
Innovative libraries who integrate new features can make a big difference within their community. For Berkeley Public Libraries, they welcome the community of the homeless. They featured library cards without the need of a physical address (Rees, 2018). Whether it be the young or the old, the library is a place for resources and it is an important part of development. The goal is to make a library a second home and make it a welcoming, diverse environment. And Berkeley Public Libraries does an excellent job in serving the community and being in their corner for those exact needs.
On December 1, Berkeley issued Easy Access Cards, which is essentially designed for people who don’t have a fixed address (Rees, 2018). Easy Access Cardholders can still check out three books or other library materials at a time, put a hold on three items, use library computers, and check out laptops for library in-use (Rees, 2018). Those cards are good for a year. Additionally, Berkeley Public Library stopped charging daily fines for late returns for their own materials. Overall, Easy Access Cards removes the stigma of the homeless and the need to carry extra information in order to get access to specific items such as using a computer, for example. Speaking of Berkeley Public Libraries, from my experience, San Mateo County Library has also addressed those within the homeless and the ability to get access to a library card.
In many cases, whenever patrons want to check out items at San Mateo County Library, they would need a SMCL Library Card. Generally, if patrons don’t have a library card, they can use their phone number, or if the card is lost, they can get a replacement card. However, when it comes to the homeless, if they don’t have a permanent address, shelter, or a place to live, they can get a library card. The biggest difference between Berkeley Public Libraries and utilizing Easy Access Cards is that San Mateo County Library only offers a 3 month, temporary library card to check out items such as a Chromebook, a hotspot, or a combo (both Chromebook and a hotspot) for example.
To conclude, our libraries within the community we live in are a beacon of light. There are many resources to combat and find solutions to make ends meet and make it through the end of the day. Being able to issue library cards to the homeless is a big deal because it removes barriers and treats the homeless as patrons. Additionally, libraries also offer many benefits from inclement weather such as warmth when it is snowing outside or air conditioning when it is warm, spaces to sit and relax, access to tech and wi-fi for free without paying a single dime, access to restrooms, and most importantly, a space to socialize and be around with like minded people (EveryLibrary).
References
EveryLibrary. (2023, August 11). 5 Ways Libraries Provide Aid to the Homeless. Medium. Retrieved March 20, 2025 from https://medium.com/everylibrary/5-ways-libraries-provide-aid-to-the-homeless-5e945aad9b0f#:~:text=Homeless%20people%20are%20more%20than,course%20hosted%20by%20the%20library
Free Meals at the Library. (n.d). San Mateo County Libraries. Retrieved March 20, 2025 from https://smcl.org/blogs/post/free-meals-at-the-library-comida-gratis-en-la-biblioteca/#:~:text=Since%202015%2C%20San%20Mateo%20County,the%20East%20Palo%20Alto%20Library.
Rees, M. (2018, December 03). No Permanent Address? No Problem. Berkeley Library makes it easier for those without homes to get library cards. Berkeley Side. Retrieved March 20, 2025 from https://www.berkeleyside.org/2018/12/03/no-permanent-address-no-problem-berkeley-library-makes-it-easier-for-those-without-homes-to-get-library-cards
@hunchocaaado strong examples from California libraries. I think that free meals at the library is one of the best things we could do beyond our core services to ensure that folks are healthy and able to take advantage of the rest of the services we provide.