Browsing by Author "Schwaebe, Laurel"

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    Let's Library: Investing in People
    (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), 2023-11-09) King, Tanner; Ochs, Liz; Schwaebe, Laurel
    The USA prides itself in being an individualistic society where everybody has an equal shot at The American Dream. However, the reality is that hyper-individualism results in entire communities and many individuals lacking the social safety nets they need to fulfill this American Dream. With the United States' overwhelming lack of social support systems, public libraries have taken on the role of supporting many of its citizens' needs. Fighting homelessness has been a substantial part of this trend, with libraries acting as de-facto shelter for people without housing as well as resources for them to help improve their situation. With no other emerging solutions to the homelessness epidemic in Denver, Colorado or the United States in general, it makes sense to direct support to systems that are on the front lines fighting this issue. Denver Public Library is already a well-established resource for those facing homelessness and poverty. In addition to acting as a shelter, it also provides access to social workers who are equipped to connect its patrons with much needed resources. Therefore, it is important that an increase in funding to Denver Public Library is not only justified, but an obvious path forward towards fighting inequity in Denver.