2016 MLA Annual Conference

This session will describe two efforts at outreach to our patrons experiencing homelessness at Hennepin County Library: Coffee and Conversations at Minneapolis Central Library and Homeless Shelter Collections. Coffee and Conversations is an event held in the atrium of Minneapolis Central Library an hour before the library opens and is based on a program at the Dallas Public Library. During Coffee and Conversations our patrons waiting to enter the library, many of whom are experiencing homelessness, are offered coffee and are invited to take part in a conversation or activity. Chris will discuss the history of the program, how it is planned, and what activities have been tried. Kyle will discuss the following aspects of the Hennepin County Library Homeless Shelter Collections: 1) The history of the collections; 2) Description of the shelters being served; 3) Process of partnering with interested shelters; 4) Ordering books; 5) Maintenance and evaluation of collections; and 6) Outreach and community engagement with people in the shelters.