Library social worker helps homeless seeking quiet refuge

CAT WISE:

In fact, since the program began, about 150 formerly homeless library patrons have received permanent housing, and another 800 have benefited from other social services.

But not everyone, even in liberal San Francisco, is supportive of the homeless presence at the library. One particularly irate patron recently wrote a review on the main library's Yelp page: "Can you please, please, please kick the homeless people out? They are disruptive in the stacks, leave their garbage, stink, body fluids at the desks. They use their bathrooms as their shower facilities."

Inappropriate use of library facilities by some patrons, including the homeless, has long been an issue in San Francisco.

Last year, after encouragement from the city's mayor, the library implemented a new code of conduct with tougher penalties. But some advocates feel the code unfairly targets the homeless, such as rules against emitting strong odors and bringing large carts or luggage into the library.

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