Number of Homeless and People Doing Drugs Prompts Concerns at Boston Public Library

The number of homeless people and people doing drugs at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square is prompting concerns about safety.

"There is one time where I did have to use the restroom. I'm not sure about drug use but there definitely was someone that was homeless in there and they were using it basically to have a bath," said Swedo, who moved to Boston from California earlier this year.

It's nothing new. But the problem has apparently become more acute with people leaving needles in the bathroom and sleeping in the building.

"I go up to that second-floor there, the one children use. I see a bunch of homeless people all sleeping there," said Jon Stuart.

The BPL released a statement which said in part: "Our goal is always to make available to patrons the resources and information - their situations and needs call for - while ensuring our spaces remain safe and usable by all."

"Some people are homeless because of certain circumstances so you can't blame them for those kinds of situations," said Jonathan Berkele of Boston.

Boston's mayor disagrees with the way the problem at the library has been characterized.

"There's not needles all over the floor in the library. But clearly we have an epidemic," said Mayor Marty Walsh.

Library officials say they're working with other city agencies to get these homeless people to help they need.

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