Library workers punched, spat on: Security incidents on the rise in public libraries

We have tight, volunteer security in my local library, they look like Russian hitmen. They man a desk right outside the Russian librarian's office. I believe they are protecting her, and thus the whole library. You wouldn't want to mess with these guys, I mean it. They do useful things, sometimes. They are officially in charge of selling used books, etc. but their presence is made known. They keep the library safe, but their presence unnerves me. I don't like it, but it is probably necessary.
 
When I was working downtown I went to the beautiful new library that was just built. There were so many computers set up for public use and most were being used. It just appeared to be more of a homeless shelter than a library. Don’t know what is the answer but maybe not putting in so many computers? My suburban library is a little better, but not much.
 
StillLearning said:
When I was working downtown I went to the beautiful new library that was just built. There were so many computers set up for public use and most were being used. It just appeared to be more of a homeless shelter than a library. Don’t know what is the answer but maybe not putting in so many computers? My suburban library is a little better, but not much.
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Did the homeless people bother the flow of the library in any way? If not, then they are part of the 'public' in Public Library. Shelters kick them out for the day, they have nowhere to go. If they are legitimately using the computers and giving them up when time is up (in my library, there is a time restriction on individual use) then ......... then they have as much right to be there as anyone else?

I do understand why you would be uncomfortable. Despite what I said above, I would be too.
 
I asked about our public library in Columbia, Mo. The University of Missouri, Steven's College, Columbia College, Journalism School, Nursing Program, 120,000. This is a synopsis o the search...

Daniel Boone Regional Library (DBRL) recently hired a Safety and Security Manager and a Community Resource Manager to enhance safety and security. The library's mission statement includes providing a safe and dignified environment for all patrons, free from discrimination and harassment.


DBRL has also implemented a code of conduct, with consequences for violations ranging from verbal warnings to permanent suspension of library privileges.


Some say the library is family-friendly and has quiet spaces.


it sounds like our town needed to act on disciplinary actions. They have beefed things up considerably. It isn't surprising to me. The kids don't have projects anymore. They are bored, and their regular environment is phones, drugs, sex, and making trouble. Our town has modeled itself after the prosperous meme of private property. Spread the wealth started in the 80's. Now we have a LOT of commercialism but very little else. What are these kids supposed to do?
 
Haven't heard of any issues in our local library.
It does have quite a few computers, good for people who don't have a computer or internet at home.
It also has newspapers and jigsaws for people who want to spend time there,not just borrow things.
 
There was so many problems in our main public library that they took the main door off the bathrooms and put on more exposed doors to the stalls. They had become sites for prostitution. Or they were used as a cleanup spot and would leave their junk behind. I believe they’ve taken this open-door approach in all the public washrooms in town.

I quit using the reading/computer area because of people sleeping all day, etc
 
OneEyedDiva said:
Libraries...seriously!?! Good Lord. I feel sorry for those who go to work and just want to do their jobs but wind up getting assaulted or even killed. Once again I have to ask..What is our world coming to? 🥺
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Exactly my reaction when I saw an item on our national-broadcasting station last evening. I found this phenomenon hard to believe... 'violence in libraries?' It's true that our nearest small city has a library that street people and some of the homeless visit for the restroom and sometimes for a comfortable chair to nod-off in for a while. But the library building is smack against the city-police station, and maybe that makes for a usually tranquil environment.
 
Pepper said:
Did the homeless people bother the flow of the library in any way? If not, then they are part of the 'public' in Public Library. Shelters kick them out for the day, they have nowhere to go. If they are legitimately using the computers and giving them up when time is up (in my library, there is a time restriction on individual use) then ......... then they have as much right to be there as anyone else?

I do understand why you would be uncomfortable. Despite what I said above, I would be too.
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No the homeless people didn’t bother anyone and were pretty quiet. Here in my state winters get pretty cold and so I don’t blame them. Yes it absolutely is for all the public. But I’ll just get my library books on my kindle or order ahead and run in to my local library. For me, it’s not worth the risk.
 
Paco Dennis said:
it sounds like our town needed to act on disciplinary actions. They have beefed things up considerably. It isn't surprising to me. The kids don't have projects anymore. They are bored, and their regular environment is phones, drugs, sex, and making trouble. Our town has modeled itself after the prosperous meme of private property. Spread the wealth started in the 80's. Now we have a LOT of commercialism but very little else. What are these kids supposed to do?
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This question would make a theme for another thread, PD. What you're saying reflects a widespread situation. Around here it's phones, drugs, sex (at least as online videos), snowboarding, and 'bombing' down slopes on mountain bikes. But still, often pretty dead-end beyond that.

But possibly some communities have impacted the trend in a positive way, and that would be worth describing.
 
Never encountered any of the "problems" mentioned here ? Most likely because, there being rural, it requires a car to get to them. But I also haven't heard any serious complaints from friends who use the City libraries. I'm not saying that there's never any problems but nothing that seems out of the ordinary.
 

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