Compassion Over Conflict: Responding to Patron Concerns About Unhoused Library Users

June 10, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 AM

MLA Connect Exploration: Keynote discussions with field leaders exploring the most pressing questions for our field today and into the future.

Libraries are spaces for all members of the community, including those who are experiencing homelessness. However, library staff are sometimes confronted with difficult situations when patrons express discomfort or concerns about the presence of unhoused individuals. This session will equip library workers with the tools and strategies to navigate these difficult conversations while maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment for all patrons, and how libraries can proactively create policies and resources that support unhoused patrons.

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