At the LA Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles, Amanda Mellor is redefining what it means to be a librarian.
On some days, she can be found answering questions at the reference desk in the social science, philosophy, and religion department.
On others, she steps into a unique role as the Persons Experiencing Homelessness Outreach Librarian, bringing books and essential services directly to the homeless and prison re-entry community, often visiting areas like Skid Row, located just a mile from the library.
This mission is part of a broader commitment to making the library a welcoming haven for everyone, regardless of their housing status.
Mellor estimates that 60% of her time is spent in the traditional role of a reference librarian, with the remaining 40% dedicated to community outreach.
In her outreach efforts, Mellor signs people up for library cards and shares information about the library’s free programs and services.
Surprisingly, securing a library card isn’t out of reach for those without traditional addresses.
Mellor carries courtesy cards that are valid for six months, allowing patrons to borrow one item at a time and enjoy two hours of free internet access at the library each day.
When conducting outreach, Mellor also brings boxes of books that the library no longer needs.
These books, while not meant to be returned, serve as a valuable resource for those eager to read.
She actively involves her colleagues in these outreach efforts.
“Many folks that I serve are huge readers,” Mellor explains, highlighting collaborations with other librarians to enhance the experience for patrons.
Particularly, she has partnered with a librarian from the literature department, who can answer specific questions about books that Mellor may not be familiar with.
The idea of bringing library services into the heart of the unhoused community may seem unconventional to some, but for Mellor, it’s about recognizing the dignity of all individuals.
“They’re patrons. They’re people,” she asserts, emphasizing that the services provided should cater to everyone, no matter their living situation.
Mellor articulates a sentiment that resonates within the library: a patron is a patron, irrespective of where they slept the night before.
Historically, the LA Central Library has been a refuge for homeless individuals seeking shelter during the day—whether to read, use the internet, or simply find a place to relax.
Mellor firmly believes in the moral responsibility of libraries to offer dignity and respect to everyone they serve.
“To be able to help a group that doesn’t typically receive that dignity and respect … we’re in a position to do that,” she says.
Beyond just books, Mellor and her colleagues also provide essential goods to those in need.
“If folks are having a really hard time, maybe they don’t have shoes. We have shoes.
So their pants are a little too tattered. We have some pants. No biggie. ‘Come on in, here’s some new pants,’” she remarks, highlighting their sensitivity to the realities many face.
The training librarians undergo is equally comprehensive and impactful.
They receive instruction on how to interact compassionately with individuals who have experienced trauma.
In the past few years, they have also been trained to administer Narcan, enabling them to save lives by reversing opioid overdoses that might occur on library property.
Just as they offer information at the reference desk, they also provide connections to vital resources for the homeless population in their community.
Recently, Mellor donned her blue LA Library bucket hat while attending a resource fair called The Source, situated in the courtyard of the library.
This monthly event includes tables from various government agencies and nonprofit organizations aimed at assisting the homeless community.
When someone approached her with questions about caring for their dog, she promptly directed them to the appropriate flyers in her department containing the needed information.
One of her colleagues at the fair, Diane Morales-Kawakami, serves as a case manager for PATH Los Angeles, a dedicated outreach program for the homeless.
Accompanying a client, Morales-Kawakami appreciates the library’s role in consolidating resources.
“It’s a one-stop shop and it makes my job easier than having to run to five service agencies, sitting in the lobby for two hours, hoping they’ll get the help they need,” she states.
With the library’s assistance, her client was able to receive guidance from a government agency in just minutes, showcasing the efficiency and humanity of the library’s outreach efforts.
image source from：kcrw
