"Of course, people who don’t want to be bothered by homeless people at all can always endow private libraries, with subscriptions available only to those with valid pay stubs and rent receipts."

That is the classic "Libertarian" argument. The beginning of a two-tier caste system. Public libraries for the poor and Private libraries for the rich.

Several several private libraries and museums already exist in this city. They belong to private organizations and universities. GWU won't let any visitors into its library. GU does if you show ID and sign in. GU also has some of the most stuck up, asshole students that will make fun of you if they suspect that you are homeless.

I have experienced this many times. I don't complain. I do my research and leave. They have excellent Internet access.

The idea of commenter #29:

"Why not just install some storage areas, locker rooms, and showers in the basements of the libraries? That way homeless people can clean up a bit and store their belongings before sitting down to read."

Well, that would be to easy. Then the first complaint would be, "How come I can't take a shower and store my stuff? My taxes pay for this library." Fair enough.

So, the the library no longer becomes a just a community center, it turns into a social club or spa. Then you have to start charging fees for maintenance. The library is no longer public anymore.

Right?

Day centers for the homeless are a good idea. So are job training, free education at UDC, credit for online courses and free vocational training. If we stop blaming homeless people and address the problems--economic and social, that lead to homeless in the first place, then there would be no need to use public libraries as a place to pass the time and keep warm.

The homeless community in D.C. is lucky to have you as an advocate. You sound smart, witty and compassionate. Good luck to you, Eric.

I have used the West End library. I will visit it again soon (as a result of reading this article) to see how the homeless are being treated.

Oddly enough, I don't look homeless. You wouldn't know that I'm homeless unless I told you. I dress rather well and don't carry a bunch of bags. There are others like me who are homeless but don't dress the part. Beware, lest we point out your mistreatment of the homeless.

You should be made aware of the fact that every homeless person has their own story. you shouldn't paint with broad strokes. we aren't all addicts or mentally ill. I'll match wits with any one of you out there. Try me.

I WILL say this much to the credit of the homeless haters: Even as a homeless person, i can't stand a lack of hygiene. There are shelters and day centers that offer shower facilities and hygiene products. The homeless don't need to be filthy. as it turns out, some are indeed mentally ill and don't reason well enough to know to bathe. It behooves the library to just post and/or distribute info about day centers and places to shower for their homeless patrons.

Finally, I appreciate those who are sensitive to the issue of homelessness, including but not limited to Robin Diener and Pam Stovall (both of whom I know). The public should be made aware of the fact that many, including homeless homeless advocates like myself, have opted for day centers for the homeless so that the library won't need to serve that purpose. (See the Dec. 15th 2006 issue of STREET SENSE, DC's newspaper about homelessness and poverty.)

Eric sheptock -- ericsheptock@yahoo.com .

One wonders if the problem is that there are people who are not making the most of their lives, taking naps in the middle of the day, and this is what bothers people (your protestant ethics are showing), or if the problem is a more visceral, "Ew, stinky people!" in which case the problem is easily solved with the suggestion to install lockers and showers.

Of course, people who don't want to be bothered by homeless people at all can always endow private libraries, with subscriptions available only to those with valid pay stubs and rent receipts.

A library should be a place where children can safely do school research and where women will not be leered at. Where basic hygiene is expected. That isn't right-wing or uncompassionate.

I live in Arlington. And the Central Library continually has homeless people parked at the computers, playing online games. I've yet to see one reading a book. I actually had to write the County a letter to get the library to stop letting homeless people bring their teetering carts of putrid junk into the library! So now, these deranged men park their stuff outside.

I have human sympathy for the homeless. Quite a bit, actually. I'm a fairly liberal Democrat. I think it's shameful that the good intent of deinstitutionalization has resulted in what amounts to abandonment of people in dire need. And I think those who are mentally ill and refuse treatment should get mandatory treatment on the government dime--reinstitutionalization, without the horrid abuses of yore.

But civil order should not be negotiable.

Also, I find S's comment (#26) rather insensitive, ignorant and sounding like the typical ultra-right-wing agenda. Public libraries may not be social service agencies or homeless shelters but they are meant to be open to all. At least the social service agencies will know where to find the homeless and get them the help they need.