My own use of the PA branch of the library has changed with the shift in the library's core mission.
I once sat in the alcoves to preview a stack of selected books before checking them out, but find those chairs now permanently occupied.
Being a neat freak also makes me question the sanitation issues the library staff must now contend with.
I notice the librarians often check the public library bathrooms. I assume it's to deter bathing in the sinks, to check for overdosed patrons in the stalls or to look for damages. I no longer use those facilities out of caution, just as I no longer venture into the bathroom on the city pier.
Maybe I have nothing to fear from the growing numbers of unhoused folks, but the reptilian part of my brain feels unsure and cautious in this new world.
Agree - it isn't appropriate! Not being familiar with the libraries here, don't they have separate areas for children's library, story time and play? I hope someone else (a Librarian, perhaps) can fill us in on what exactly is happening...
AFB, I don't feel that separate areas should be considered "safe zones" or that the librarian's or the people putting on the events should have to be safety monitors. Children wander everywhere, and a library, most certainly, should at least be as safe as possible.
I'm going through my mind the increasing areas of Clallam County that are not safe anymore. The list is growing. The new motto, "Be Aware Of Your Surroundings" is a weak warning that our leaders are giving us, as if to say, we are now the guardians of our safety.
So far this applies to our Parks, Sidewalks, Outdoor Restrooms, Businesses, Playgrounds, Trails and more. The homeless Elephant is sitting there and taking over the county's security.
Yes, I too wonder how the librarians feel about this ; )
I understand your opinions and agree. But I also see an institution that has moved away from "books" and reading, to babysitters and social workers. Yes, children will wander, but there used to be a separate area or room for the children's books, along with a 'childrens librarian', a separate job title'pay...
The unanswerable dilemma. How to balance compassion for the indigent without becoming a magnet for the indigent. Nature's system for coping with compromised life is harsh. A deer with a broken leg does not get a cast and aided recovery care to heal. We are all genetically unique. That uniqueness can manifest as someone who is exceptionally competent or someone unable to provide the most basic needs. Regardless of how much effort and resources are dedicated to indigence, it cannot be irradicated. We simply cannot fix everyone. Natures system of dealing with the indigent has developed over roughly 300,000 years. Moving the compassion meter a bit closer to natures model is worth consideration. Sink or swim has it's merit.
On my Charter Review Mondays, twice a month, I have about 6 hours to kill between the commissioner work session and the Charter Review meeting in the evening. I used to go to the library, but it just kept getting more and more full of homeless people. Sleeping, having psychotic episodes, and watching videos at full volume on their phones. And every time I had to go to the bathroom, I had to pack up everything and take it with me because I didn't want it to get stolen. Then Mimi (frequent commenter) allowed me to use her office, and it was life-changing and such a relief. So yes, the library has lost me. I grew up going to libraries. I spent my young adult years using the libraries to research, read, write, etc. Not anymore.
Do they hate churches and missions because they are a threat to their blue page govement services section jobs..We had a mechanism for this that did not assault homeowners.
My own use of the PA branch of the library has changed with the shift in the library's core mission.
I once sat in the alcoves to preview a stack of selected books before checking them out, but find those chairs now permanently occupied.
Being a neat freak also makes me question the sanitation issues the library staff must now contend with.
I notice the librarians often check the public library bathrooms. I assume it's to deter bathing in the sinks, to check for overdosed patrons in the stalls or to look for damages. I no longer use those facilities out of caution, just as I no longer venture into the bathroom on the city pier.
Maybe I have nothing to fear from the growing numbers of unhoused folks, but the reptilian part of my brain feels unsure and cautious in this new world.
Yes, I've felt like an "intruder" walking into the men's room of the PA library while someone is having a spitbath in the sink and shaving.
I don’t see how you mix children with a warming center. It isn’t appropriate or safe.
NORTH OLYMPIC LIBRARY EVENTS Nov 14, 2025 – Dec 19, 2025
TODDLER STORYTIME Get wiggles out at this Storytime full of movement, songs, and stories!
FAMILY STORYTIME Listen to great books, learn new songs, and shake your wiggles out with plenty of movement and fun!
TEEN NIGHT Sweet Tooth Party -Dress up and enjoy free pizza and snacks while watching Willy Wonka.
WATERCOLOR Enjoy a reception for the North Olympic Watercolorists exhibition with music by a classical trio.
YARN CIRCLE Drop in to sip and stitch among fellow crafters.
BUILD IT! WITH LEGOS Build stories, brick by brick, with hands-on LEGO fun for kids. Drop in to create and play!
CROSSWORD COMPETITION The timed contest begins at 2pm sharp! Teams of two will race to complete all three puzzles.
MAGIC MONDAY GRADES 4-12 Come play Magic: The Gathering at the library!
LITTLE HANDS ART Get messy with the littles making sensory art.
Agree - it isn't appropriate! Not being familiar with the libraries here, don't they have separate areas for children's library, story time and play? I hope someone else (a Librarian, perhaps) can fill us in on what exactly is happening...
AFB, I don't feel that separate areas should be considered "safe zones" or that the librarian's or the people putting on the events should have to be safety monitors. Children wander everywhere, and a library, most certainly, should at least be as safe as possible.
I'm going through my mind the increasing areas of Clallam County that are not safe anymore. The list is growing. The new motto, "Be Aware Of Your Surroundings" is a weak warning that our leaders are giving us, as if to say, we are now the guardians of our safety.
So far this applies to our Parks, Sidewalks, Outdoor Restrooms, Businesses, Playgrounds, Trails and more. The homeless Elephant is sitting there and taking over the county's security.
Yes, I too wonder how the librarians feel about this ; )
I understand your opinions and agree. But I also see an institution that has moved away from "books" and reading, to babysitters and social workers. Yes, children will wander, but there used to be a separate area or room for the children's books, along with a 'childrens librarian', a separate job title'pay...
AFB, it's not what the libraries were in my day, but then again, "The Times They Are a-Changin'" and "The Crimes They Are a-Changin"
"A picture is worth a thousand words"
Look kids its Socialism and Communism...Mr. Duncan could have explained it real good.
Will taxes rise for our schools because the public libraries are no longer safe?
What's next, the pool?
My mother was a Librarian, and I can state that this has always been happening, especially for mentally ill and pedophiles. But I did find a good article in the American Library Magazine from 2019. Discussing the west coast predicament: https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2019/06/03/give-them-shelter-library-camping-bans/
Also, this link within the article: https://alastore.ala.org/content/librarians-guide-homelessness-empathy-driven-approach-solving-problems-preventing-conflict
"The Librarian's guide to Homelessness" from 2018.
The unanswerable dilemma. How to balance compassion for the indigent without becoming a magnet for the indigent. Nature's system for coping with compromised life is harsh. A deer with a broken leg does not get a cast and aided recovery care to heal. We are all genetically unique. That uniqueness can manifest as someone who is exceptionally competent or someone unable to provide the most basic needs. Regardless of how much effort and resources are dedicated to indigence, it cannot be irradicated. We simply cannot fix everyone. Natures system of dealing with the indigent has developed over roughly 300,000 years. Moving the compassion meter a bit closer to natures model is worth consideration. Sink or swim has it's merit.
I wonder if the (legitimate traffic) has fallen off?
On my Charter Review Mondays, twice a month, I have about 6 hours to kill between the commissioner work session and the Charter Review meeting in the evening. I used to go to the library, but it just kept getting more and more full of homeless people. Sleeping, having psychotic episodes, and watching videos at full volume on their phones. And every time I had to go to the bathroom, I had to pack up everything and take it with me because I didn't want it to get stolen. Then Mimi (frequent commenter) allowed me to use her office, and it was life-changing and such a relief. So yes, the library has lost me. I grew up going to libraries. I spent my young adult years using the libraries to research, read, write, etc. Not anymore.
Do they hate churches and missions because they are a threat to their blue page govement services section jobs..We had a mechanism for this that did not assault homeowners.