Matt and Lee with the award.
run by Lee and Matt with some addi- tional help from Jordan, who works at another library. It was agreed that the group would meet outside of normal library hours. This makes it possible for people to get together in a relaxed atmosphere where they can “bring in a can of beer, drink and swear”. The rules and regulations are not strict or always entirely clear. Matt however hopes that, in the future, the service will develop an agreed policy for homeless people. He would favour a flexible, community-centred approach providing a welcoming place for some of the most vulnerable people in society. He is keen to make links with other organisations such as Turning Point which offers support to people who need help with their drug and alcohol use, and aims “to inspire and empower them to discover new possibilities in their lives.” It was one of their support workers, Jude Duncan, who organised the work on the film.
No address necessary
Asked what happens at the group, Lee emphasised the importance of “munch.” Food always plays an important part in meetings, and people are invited to join for “a book, a bite and company.” The books used by the reading club come from a range of sources, including 10 titles donated each month by Penguin Random House which are chosen from a list provided by the publisher. The City Council’s website, like many others, states that: “You can join in person at any of our libraries; it’s quick and easy as there are no forms to fill in. All you need to bring is one proof of name and address…”
This causes real problems for the homeless. However, in practice, manag- ers take a pragmatic view and are rather more understanding of their needs. As
March 2020
a BBC journalist who visited the group reported, Lee “has built up such a good relationship with Westcotes Library… they let him take out the titles despite not having an address.” (Millar 2019). Matt indicated that there may be a few others in the same position. He describes this as a “relationship service based on an area of the city,” and told me, “If I lend a book to a homeless person I know where they are.”
In fact, most of the books used by the club are not public library stock so members can take a title away. Sometimes they are given a book to read and then discuss at a future meeting. However, club conversations are not limited to books. According to Lee, they “talk about everything, drugs and drink problems and rehabilitation”.
That said, reading is very important for homeless people. To quote Priyanka Mogul (2014), the founder of the Spread
The Word Campaign, “Homelessness won’t be eradicated if all homeless people start reading …. What books can do, however, is pave a path out of the situation they’ve found themselves in.” Matt believes that reading provides club members with “an open door to a different life and allows them to explore different worlds. It is a time when they can stop worrying… Homeless people love stories.” This is certainly true of Lee, who told the BBC: “Overall I have read over 500 crime fiction books and, 3,000 comic books.” (Millar ibid) Matt also added, “I have known him to read three or four whoppers a week – like 400 pages.”
A rewarding experience
In addition, reading group members also enjoy talks from local authors. One of these was Mahsuda Snaith, a prize- winning writer from Leicester. Her
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