Library staff remain open and praised after police response to nearby incident

Board members reported an incident near the library that prompted a police presence but did not result in harm to staff or patrons, and they praised staff decisions to remain open. Chair emeritus Stacy and other trustees described being alerted to a "police presence standing outside" during an incident the previous week; library director Jennifer and manager Jesse offered staff the option to close, but staff "wanted to keep the library open," Stacy said. Jesse (identified in the meeting as a manager) and staff were credited for feeling "empowered" and trained to handle the situation. "Credit to the staff and credit to Jesse," Stacy said. "She would have supported the decision, but they said, 'No. We're good.'" Trustees discussed whether the building went into lockdown; the transcript indicates staff did not lock down and handled the event with police on site. The board offered thanks to staff for their training and composure and encouraged trustees and community members to check in with staff following the event. No formal safety policy changes were adopted at the meeting; trustees said they would continue to review operational concerns with City Manager Jesse as needed.