A Book Release Party for The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness, a new book by Ryan Dowd published by the American Library Association, is slated from 5:30PM to 7:30PM, Mon., Jan. 22, at the Aurora Public Library. Dowd is the executive director of Hesed House in Aurora. A reading from the book with Q&A is scheduled to begin at 6:30PM.
Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at $50 each. Refreshments will be served. The public is welcome.
The Aurora Public Library is located at 101 South River Street, Aurora, IL 60505.
January 22, 2018, is Dowd’s 40th birthday, too. Attendees of the Book Release Party also are invited to Two Brothers Roundhouse around 8PM for a few cheers. Two Brothers Roundhouse is located at 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505). Organizers say absolutely no birthday gifts. A cash bar will be available at the Roundhouse.
For planning purposes, anyone planning to attend the Book Release Party and/or after-party is asked to RSVP to Krissie Dowd (kegdowd@gmail.com).
Libraries, homeless individuals and important interaction
Information on the Aurora Public Library website states that “Homelessness is a perennial topic of concern at public libraries. In fact, staff at public libraries interact with almost as many homeless individuals as staff at shelters do.”
Empathy and understanding, along with specific actionable advice that’s drawn from experience, makes all the difference in working with this group, Dowd says.
The executive director of Hesed House in Aurora shines the light on best practices drawn from his own shelter’s policies and training materials. Chock full of “to-the-point guidance that will help front line public library staff and managers understand and serve this population better,” this resourceful one-of-a-kind guide includes facts, myths, de-escalation techniques as well as good advice that will benefit every librarian and fellow co-worker who aims to treat homeless men, women and children with dignity.
Dowd’s real-life experiences taken from his service at Hesed House are showcased in the book to empower better understanding.
To check out more information about the new book, visit www.goodreads.com/book/show/36112159-the-librarian-s-guide-to-homelessness.
Editor’s Note / Ryan Dowd was heard featured during a radio interview on Dec. 29, 2017, about needs of the homeless during frigid weatherin winter. While most days the programs at Hesed House aim to help families and individuals go from homelessness to homes, during sub-freezing winter weather the staff hopes to create enough space for everyone who needs warm shelter and food to find a place to come inside. Dowd also noted “tube socks” also are a big need and appreciated.
