South Pasadena Library’s Port-A-Potty (Photo – W.K.)
When South Pasadena Library Director Cathy Billings and staff knew that the Library would be closed to the public starting March 16, they immediately recognized that the lack of access to the restrooms would be problematic for some of the patrons especially those experiencing homelessness.
By Marina Khubesrian
This concern was shared by members of the City Council and the South Pasadena community. Once the need was identified, library staff worked with Public Works to arrange for an ADA accessible port-a-potty and hand washing station to be installed in the Library Park that same week.
Positive feedback
“Feedback from the community about the port-a-potty has been mostly positive reflecting people’s appreciation that we took this step to serve people who could no longer use the library’s restrooms,“ according to Director Billings. She can’t say how many but she sees people using the port-a-potty and hand washing station regularly.
Wi-Fi
Many people are also taking advantage of the access to Wi-Fi outside the Library building. Additionally, the City is keeping restrooms at Garfield Park open overnight to provide for additional access to hygiene stations during the Stay-at-home period.
Marina Khubesrian, M.D. is a Councilmember and former Mayor of the City of South Pasadena.
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