Public Library Services for the Poor: Doing All We Can

Leslie Edmonds Holt & Glen E. Holt

ISBN-13: 9780838910504

168 pages 
Published: 2010

Among public institutions, the library has great potential for helping the poor and disenfranchised. For many, the library is the only refuge for information, literacy, entertainment, language skills, employment help, free computer use and even safety and shelter. Experts Glen and Leslie Holt, with decades of service to inner city communities between them, challenge librarians to do more for poor people. While recognizing the financial crunch libraries are under, the authors offer concrete advice about programs and support for this unique group, showing you how to 

• Train staff to meet the unique needs of the poor, including youth 
• Cooperate with other agencies in order to form partnerships and collaborations that enrich library services to the poor and homeless
• Find help, financial and other, for your library

This ground-breaking work demonstrates how five Key Action Areas adopted by the ALA Council (Diversity, Equity of Access, Education and Continuous Learning, Intellectual Freedom, and 21st Century Literacy) apply especially to this disadvantaged population, and motivates librarians to use creative solutions to meet their needs.