Libraries 'on front lines' of homelessness and more, today's top stories | Daily Briefing

Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
Talid Boycan sits at the Cincinnati Public Library on Vine Street. Boycan found the library to be a refuge while he experienced homelessness. “It was a safe space,” he said.
Talid Boycan sits at the Cincinnati Public Library on Vine Street. Boycan found the library to be a refuge while he experienced homelessness. “It was a safe space,” he said.
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Good morning, Daily Briefing fans. Enterprise reporter Patricia Gallagher Newberry here.

When I last wrote about the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library’s plans for a tax increase, a number of readers offered a particular gripe: the libraries are full of people experiencing homelessness.

They sleep in lounge chairs, use restrooms for personal cleanup and introduce a “criminal element” to branches, some wrote.

“If they don’t get main (branch) under control and stop letting it mainly be a daytime homeless shelter, I can’t support any increase,” one reader said.

We took those reactions to library officials, advocates for people without housing and one patron who turned to the library for refuge during a period of homelessness.

None were surprised – but none apologized for the libraries’ stance on visitors without permanent addresses.

As the fall election approaches, read about those rules and services in today’s library coverage. I’ll watch reader comments to see what you think.

What else you need to know Tuesday, Oct. 10

⛅ Weather: High of 65. Partly sunny.

🔍 Explore Ohio: 9 of the best museums in Ohio and what to know if you go.

🚲 E-bikes: What to know about the state's electric bicycle class system and laws.

🎸 The Boss in Ohio: Bruce Springsteen reschedules postponed Columbus show for April 21.

🏈 Sports: See which Southwest Ohio football teams are ranked in Oct. 9 Associated Press poll.

Before you go: He's baaaack!

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz.

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals came out on top in the desert Sunday, taking down the Arizona Cardinals 34-20 at State Farm Stadium.

The Bengals are now 2-3 on the year. Exactly where they were at this point in the 2022 season.

Click or tap here to read why Bengals beat reporter Kelsey Conway thinks Joe Burrow's performance saved the team's season.

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Today's Top Stories

Jewish Federation of Cincinnati CEO Danielle Minson said the organization will hold a gathering Tuesday night in solidarity with Israel after the Hamas attacks.
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati CEO Danielle Minson said the organization will hold a gathering Tuesday night in solidarity with Israel after the Hamas attacks.

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• This Cincinnati hotel is 1 of the best in the Midwest, according to a popular magazine

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Norwood police euthanized a raccoon that appeared to be sick. A citizen complained stating their actions were inhumane.
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• Review says Norwood officers who killed raccoon did nothing wrong

Purcell Marian graduate Max Holt helped the U.S. men's national indoor volleyball team qualify for the 2024 Olympics over the weekend.
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• Back on top: Purcell Marian grad Max Holt leads U.S. volleyball to Olympic spot

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Libraries 'on front lines' of homelessness and more | Daily Briefing