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fnb_midlands on Instagram: "Neighbors of Columbia, recent confrontations with city law enforcement have provided direct confirmation that it is not just the ci…"
Neighbors of Columbia, recent confrontations with city law enforcement have provided direct confirmation that it is not just the city of Columbia that demands FNB stop their meal distribution; but also the leadership of ‘the police and the library’.The local library serves as one of the last third places that our unhoused neighbors in society can access without being ticketed for the crime of existing. On the third floor of the Richland Main Library is a social work office with the stated mission “to help meet the basic human needs of all people - but specifically people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Richland Library having social workers allows us to meet the goal of our profession and the needs of our community.” (Lee Patterson, Social Work Director Richland Main Library)How are our unhoused neighbors supposed to use these resources if the library is directly acting to limit their access?We at FNB do not hate the library — we recognize that it is a great resource and a public good. In contrast, other branches in the same Richland County Library system prioritize caring for all of their community members by providing additional resources as mutual aid – like the community fridge and garden at the St. Andrews/Irmo branch, helping to fill gaps left by the federal, state, and local governments.So, now the question is – WHY are the city council, the Richland Main Library, and the police trying to prevent access to essential resources that will help our most vulnerable neighbors in our city improve their lives?If you disagree with the city & the library trying to shut down our distribution, call the numbers below to voice your concerns.Homeless Services (Cooperative Ministry)(803) 799-3853City Manager’s Office(803) 545-3026Mayor’s Office(803) 545-3075
