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In Philadelphia libraries aren’t just being used to study and borrow books. Public health researchers are training library staff to help point vulnerable people in the direction of resources to help them – like drug and alcohol services and homeless shelters. Carolyn Cannuscio, Director of Research for the Centre for Public Health Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania and Librarian Renee Pokorny say Philadelphians feel safe there and turn to staff when they have a crisis.

(Photo: Brandon Stokes, who sought refuge in the Philadelphia library during the years he spent living in homeless shelters and who inspired the work of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Credit: Nema Etebar)