I have always said that the library has evolved from a space of independent learning to collaboration and creation. Additionally, the public library has become a place that strives for inclusivity and aims to serve all the patrons that come in. The first “public libraries” in the United States were spaces that only the elite could pay to get into. Now public libraries are free, but those who work in these spaces still need to work to understand what the community needs to feel welcome. This sometimes means coming up with innovative ways that allow people to feel welcome a space that may have once been intimidating.

There are many reasons why people need to use the Internet, and the library may be the only place they can do so.
One issue I have in the library that I work at is that if a person does not have a permanent address, they cannot get a library card. I understand why this rule is in place to ensure that the library is being utilized by taxpayers and can be contacted if there are late books. However, this excludes people without a permanent address from using certain library services, or makes it challenging for them. If a person wants to use a computer at my library, they must come to the desk to get a guest pass and they are only allowed an hour compared to the four hours they get if they use a card. The Berkeley Public Library suggested a system where where people without a permanent address could obtain an Easy Access Card. This would give them the ability to do limited check outs and use the computer as if they had a library card. This removes value judgement and allows more people such as people without documentation, those experiencing homelessness, and kids in foster care (Rees, 2018). These are groups of people for whom the library is necessary: for access to free internet to apply for jobs, find health information, or take citizenship tests. These are groups who need a warm and quiet place to go, or perhaps a social place (Gaetani, 2018). Whether it by Easy Access Cards or other modifications to library operations, we as library professionals need to make the changes necessary to foster a space where the people who need the library most can feel welcome to use it.
References
Gaetani, M. (2018, November 11). Q&A with Eric Klinenberg. Stanford University. https://casbs.stanford.edu/news/qa-eric-klinenberg
Horrigan, J. B. (2-25, September 15). Chapter 1: Who uses libraries and what they do at their libraries. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/09/15/who-uses-libraries-and-what-they-do-at-their-libraries/
Rees, M. (2018, December 3). No permanent address? No problem. Berkeley library makes it easier for those without homes to get library cards. Berkeleyside. 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
Hi Lindsay, you bring up a really important topic in this post. Libraries are for everyone, no matter the life circumstance that people may be experiencing. Not allowing people without a permanent address access to a library should not be happening, it exiles them when they should be welcomed. I know a lot of libraries have different policies around library cards but I always appreciate when public libraries have a variety of cards to offer to accommodate people from all walks of life. Thank you for sharing 🙂
@lindsaymahowald I love the examples you share and the whole approach of this reflection: giving folks access to the library’s services! Nice use of Pew to support your thoughts.