Concerns at the Newmarket Public Library have prompted its CEO to recommend a four-month pilot project that would see a security guard on duty to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
“As reported in previous discussions, a significant number of minor security incidents are regularly experienced, involving such behaviours as drug use, abusive language, and disorderly conduct,” Todd Kyle wrote in a report that will be submitted to the library board Wednesday for consideration.
“Library staff continue to play an active role in maintaining the safety and security of employees and visitors to our facility, but recent trends have made this role more difficult and increased the strain on our staffing levels,” he said.
Many libraries are taking similar actions as social changes put pressure on libraries to deal with more vulnerable members of society, Kyle added.
For example, the library partnered with York Support Services Network in November to offer people the opportunity to talk with a professional crisis worker on site two Wednesdays each month from 1 to 4 p.m.
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The suggested security guard pilot period would run from January to April 2020 for up to 16 weeks. A preliminary investigation by staff suggests that the pilot would cost between $7,000 and $9,000.
The type of incidents in question often arise on evenings and weekends, a time when staff on duty are dedicated largely to front-line services, Kyle said.
And it takes at least two staff and often considerable time to investigate these incidences, including dealing with police and writing up a report, he added.
“In addition, police report an increase in calls for concerning behavior in public spaces, and advise that they may be unable or slower to respond to incidents that are non-criminal or that do not pose an immediate threat to safety,” said Kyle.
The library board will consider the request on Dec. 18.
Check back for more on this developing story.
