Baggage Concerns at the Central Library
If you read the Wisconsin State Journal, you may have seen the article in Sunday’s paper titled Targeting homeless, library seeks tighter rules on carry-in bags. As the article referenced, changes to the current behavior policy will indicate a maximum size for baggage that is brought to the library. In shaping this proposed policy, we received input from Chicago Public Library and other libraries facing similar issues. The revised policy draft is expected to go before the Library Board at their next meeting on Thursday, December 7. Comments are welcome.
Entry Filed under: General News
4 Comments
1. Anonymous | November 7th, 2006 at 11:05 am
It’s ironic - Sandy Berman and others just gave a talk called “What poor people need from libraries” at the Wisconsin Library Association conference, and baggage rules are not it.
I understand the library’s concerns, but are there other options? Big lockers, maybe?
2. Anonymous | November 10th, 2006 at 9:01 pm
Will this rule also be enforced for people with strollers, diaper bags, luggage…but also happen to have a home?
3. marie | November 13th, 2006 at 12:01 pm
I used to like the Central Library a lot, but rarely go there any more because it’s often hard to find a space to sit. The people, homeless or not, who bring in large amounts of stuff take up a lot of table and chair space, and that makes it harder for others to use the library.
The way it is now, I’d rather drive or bus further out to one of the branches, because at least I will have a good chance of finding a comfortable and quiet space to sit and read.
Years ago the library used to have lockers, so maybe there is a way to bring them back. They would also be useful for people with strollers, shopping bags, etc. if there is a space to install lockers with the right dimensions. Maybe when a new downtown library is built, storage space will be considered.
4. Tana | November 21st, 2006 at 5:16 pm
Other urban libraries are struggling with similar issues. Here’s an article from the Wichita Eagle, At library, it’s shelter vs. safety from September 2006.
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