[EliRivers]

As I understand it, they've effectively been displaced there. As other places they can go have been closed off to them, they end up looking for an alternative dry, sheltered place where it's possible to sit down and even wash; the library. It would be a real shame if libraries shut down as a side-effect of other cuts to public services.

[dazc]

If you're homeless, (in the UK) you can wash and keep dry in a shopping centre (mall) which will have far better facilities.

The only caveat being you have to not look or act like a homeless person and you must treat the place and other people with respect. Sadly, a lot of homeless people don't seem able to do this.

Disclosure: been there, done it.