Recently I visited the new Redding Library about 3 p.m. As I approached the library (which, by the way, is a great place), I noticed a whole bunch of folks sitting around outside the front entrance.
Many were just there, some with various descriptions of clothes, backpacks and blankets, others sleeping or pretending to, and others smoking and just “hanging out.”
This is not the first time I have seen this. Until now, I just kind of ignored it.
I got a book and was exiting through the front area when I saw some of the outdoor visitors were visiting the bathrooms. I overheard two young mothers with their children in tow, talking, saying, in essence, “I’m not leaving my children in the library alone with all those street people and homeless hanging around.”
Interesting point. So I thought, “I’ll check this out.” I went back inside and looked for a security guard, or someone who looked as if he were controlling the front door. No one in sight.
I asked the Information Desk volunteer about who controls who comes in and out. He said he didn’t know but would check it out, and added, “This is a public building and anyone can use it.” City Hall is a public building, as are many other public buildings, but I do not see these folks hanging out at those other buildings.
Then he said something like, “You know, we are near the mission and some other places for the homeless,” which has nothing to do with the issue.
By then my curiosity was getting the best of me, so I walked around the downstairs area looking at who was there. Almost all the folks were reading, looking up books and data, and using the library as it should be used.
I walked upstairs and saw a snoozer by the window, dressed and looking like the folks at the entrance. I asked a clerk what was going on with these folks. He said staff members speak to them when they are walking around, but he couldn’t leave his location.
Time was up and I had to get going, so I left with my question unanswered.
Library staff, what is the answer? Is it safe to allow young children to walk around and browse in the library? If you take children in there, should you watch their every move? Do we have security at the library, for any number of reasons? Seems like we might look into this.
Enjoy the new library.
By the way, since I used the word “homeless,” it was good to see that the city ruled in favor of the facility for feeding the needy just south of the library. Whether we like it or not, this part of town, along with a couple of other areas in downtown Redding, have, over the years, been a haven for some folks. And it could be a lot worse.
Redding police keep a close watch and often respond quickly when called. But they need to be called. When I am approached by a transient for a handout in the Wendy’s parking lot, a call needs to be made.
If we as a community are concerned about transients and the homeless, we cannot just say “that’s the way it is” and ignore it. We must either direct them to the various groups that offer to feed and shelter the needy or we must encourage them to move on. We cannot just do nothing. A library is a library, not a covered, air-conditioned hangout for those who have nowhere else to go.
Let’s not just ignore this issue, because the library is much more than just a public building. It is an institution that we can all use, be proud of, be safe in and maintain for years to come.
Ron Largent is a Realtor, business owner and longtime Redding resident. He can be reached at ronlargent@yahoo.com or ronlargent.yourkwagent.com.
Below is a link to the response by Janice Erickson, Shasta Public Library Director, to Ron Largent’s “Library is no place for vagrants” article, above.
Response to “Library is no place for Vagrants” by Janice Erickson.
