Reading Program For The Homeless Developing

A proposed reading program for the homeless in Downtown New Bedford has generated some controversy since the plan was made public a short time ago.

People concerned with the program say the homeless using downtown's public library as a refuge during the day has become a public safety concern.

Reverend Kevin Harrington says the program is intended to aid homeless people in need.

The new reading program is a spin-off of UMass Dartmouth's changing lives through literature.

That program allows probationers to read and discuss books to help improve to their lives. Harrington hopes the library program will have a similar effect on the homeless.