[Publib] a delicate issue

[James Casey]

Here at Oak Lawn Public Library (south suburban Chicago) we spoke with the fellow and insisted that he either stay in an area away from other staff and patrons or leave.   The patron was interfering with the ability of other patrons to use the facility.   We also worked with our local "Family Services" organization that put us in contact with his prime care giver.   ---  As the weather gets colder, homeless people often gravitate to the Library during the day.  The odor and other problems often associated with that growing tragedy are frequently issues facing public librarians.

James B. Casey - My own views
Director of Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of imukherjee100 at qc.cuny.edu
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 6:20 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] a delicate issue

Hi everyone,

Is anyone out there who can help us in dealing with a senior patron whose arrival turns the library into an intolerable odor-polluted place?  This customer is undoubtedly a fiction/best seller reader and used to be one of our regulars. We tried our level best by spraying around room freshener upon her departure. In the beginning staff members complained but now things are getting out of hand as other patrons started complaining too. It's definitely not a "homeless" issue. Any suggestion on how to deal with this matter in a legitimate and professional way would be really helpful. Thanks in advance.

Indira Mukherjee


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