Public libraries in Canada are experiencing an alarming increase in safety and security incidents. These incidents encompass a range of issues, from physical assaults to suspected overdoses and thefts, significantly impacting the well-being of both library staff and patrons.
While these incidents represent a small fraction of total interactions, their impact on employee safety and public perception is significant. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the security incident trends across various Canadian cities and the complex socio-economic factors fueling these issues.
Rising Security Incidents in Libraries
Major cities such as Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver have reported data that underscores the growing severity of this situation. Cuts to social services and the ongoing opioid crisis have been identified as key contributors to the security incidents. Addressing the issues effectively requires considering each community’s unique needs and circumstances.
Data on Security Incidents
Recent data collected from 11 public library systems over several years reveals a pressing need for comprehensive safety and security strategies. The Toronto Public Library (TPL) stands out with a dramatic 71% increase in incidents from 2022 to 2023, totaling 2,334 incidents in 2023. Even more alarming is TPL’s reported 529% surge in suspected overdoses during the same period.
Trends in Other Cities
The trend of increasing security incidents is not isolated to Toronto. Winnipeg Public Library reported a 21% rise in incidents between 2022 and 2023. Similarly, Vancouver Public Library’s tracking data revealed that the library experienced a 14% increase in incidents. These figures demonstrate that the challenges faced by public libraries are widespread across major Canadian cities.
Stable and Declining Incident Rates
In Calgary, the number of security incidents per patron visit remained steady from 2022 to 2023. Mississauga experienced a significant drop in incident rates compared to previous years. This decline can be attributed in part to the closure of the system’s main branch due to renovations from March 2021 until February this year.
Incidents Across Canada
In early 2024, an incident at a downtown Edmonton library resulted in three security guards sustaining minor injuries while disarming an individual with a knife in a restroom. This event followed a tragic stabbing at Winnipeg’s Millennium Library in 2022. It prompted the installation of metal detectors and the hiring of more security personnel to address the increasing number of security issues.
Challenges in Saskatoon Public Library
Jeff Bergen, former president of CUPE 2669, which represents Saskatoon Public Library employees, emphasized the difficulties staff encounter. Library workers have faced security incidents like physical assaults, profanity, racial slurs, threats, and even an attempted sexual assault. Despite their persistent requests, management has not supplied them with whistles or walkie-talkies for safety.
Saskatoon Security Incident Statistics
Based on library data, Saskatoon Public Library branches experienced a 28% increase in security incidents from 2022 to 2023. In contrast, Vancouver reported fewer than six security incidents per 10,000 visits in 2023. Meanwhile, Edmonton recorded 3,452 incidents in the same year, averaging about eight incidents for every 10,000 visits.
Variability in Data Collection
Each library system keeps its own data, and the definition of a security incident can vary. Most include suspected overdoses or intoxication, harassment or threatening behavior, violence, theft, and/or trespassing. This variability can affect the comparability of data across different library systems.
Leading Incidents: Drug and Alcohol Use
Drug and alcohol-related incidents, including overdoses, are among the most frequently reported issues in many cities. These situations present significant challenges for library staff and compromise the overall safety and security of the library environment. Effectively managing these incidents often requires additional resources and specialized training for staff to handle them properly.
Funding and Social Programs
The challenges faced by libraries are often linked to insufficient funding for social programs. Libraries frequently act as the sole free, accessible havens that even the city’s most vulnerable can use. This gap in social support services intensifies the security problems within libraries, making it harder to maintain a safe environment for all patrons.
City of Toronto’s Response
The City of Toronto outlined several initiatives, such as a collaboration between the library and the Toronto Community Crisis Service. Toronto also allocates $3 million annually for security guards, who are stationed at 40 out of the city’s 100 library branches. However, the city did not confirm if there are any plans to boost funding for social services.
Toronto’s Pilot Programs
Toronto is introducing pilot programs aimed at supporting vulnerable library visitors. These initiatives will connect individuals with necessary resources and help identify and address issues before they escalate. Additionally, the city is hiring six library safety specialists. They will assist both clients in need and staff who frequently face verbal or physical assaults.
Canadian Urban Libraries Council Toolkit
Last year, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council formed a working group in response to the rise in security incidents, ultimately releasing a “Safety & Security Toolkit” that consolidates existing policies, procedures, and templates across libraries. CUPE released a statement saying it was disappointed that the group “didn’t look for new actions libraries could undertake.”
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