Wollongong libraries are places were residents can read a book, use the computers, talk to others and even have a sleep and shield themselves from bad weather.
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Libraries are particularly important to homeless people, rough sleepers and those in temporary accommodation.
That's why they, and everyone else in the community, will always be welcome there.
Library and community services manager Jenny Thompson said the library developed a strategy which aimed to give everyone access to its facilities across the city.
"We want all people, especially homeless people, to feel confident to spend all day in the library if they want to," Ms Thompson said.
"They can grab a spot and make themselves feel at home.
"They can read a newspaper, use the computers to sort out any social security issues or do applications and they can have a sleep.
"Usually residents need to provide a home address and identification to become members of our libraries but that does not apply to homeless people.
"Also if there are any young people living on the streets then they do not require a guardian to sign off on their membership."
People are also allowed to leave their belongings in the foyer and staff will keep an eye on it.
Ms Thompson said there were some homeless people who went to the library every day while others went in sporadically.
"It is about making everyone feel welcome," she said.
"Our policy is basically 'live and let live'.
The library also teams up with the Homeless Hub for collection drives.
Homeless Hub general manager Mandy Booker said many of the hub's clients told her they went to the library as a way to break up the daily boredom and for social interaction.
"Some homeless people can feel socially isolated and they want to talk to people other than community service workers," she said.
"They also go to the library if the weather is bad because it is a safe place.
"People tell me the staff and other library-goers have a chat with them.
"They feel like they are treated with dignity and respect and like they fit in there."
Ms Booker suspects up to 10 homeless people or those who do not have a fixed address use Wollongong City Library daily.
Ms Thomspon said she had never heard of any reports of friction or complaints about homeless people spending time in the library.
She said the libraries had toilets but no showers however shower facilities were being considered for the proposed Warrawong library.
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