Corona Public Library reports three suspensions and multiple drug incidents; staff to pursue lighting and landscape changes with police

Danielle Whittington, library manager for the Corona Public Library, told the Library Board of Trustees that the library recorded three patron suspensions and five incidents involving drugs or drug paraphernalia in recent months.

"We have had 3 suspensions in the past couple of months. We have had 5 incidences with drugs and drug paraphernalia within and outside the library," Whittington said during the trustees' meeting.

The library follows a graduated discipline process outlined in its code of conduct: a first violation prompts a warning; a second violation results in an order to leave the library; a third violation leads to a 30-day suspension; and a fourth violation requires review by the Community Services director and can result in a suspension from 31 days up to a year depending on severity, Whittington said.

Community Services Director Donna Finch said staff and Corona Police Department (Corona PD), together with facilities and parks teams, have completed building and grounds walk-throughs and will implement several recommended changes aimed at reducing hiding spots and improving sight lines.

"There are several recommendations that are coming out of that. I'm sending out the trees, adding more lights, redoing some of the landscaping areas ... putting more invasive plants where it makes it more difficult and painful ... and just try and secure the space as best as we can through more of an environmental design standpoint," Finch said.

Whittington said staff received training on handling suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia and instructed employees not to touch items found on site because of fentanyl risks. She said staff are to cover suspicious items and call Corona PD to retrieve them.

Trustee Shirley Tyler Hayes, who attended a Culture City training described elsewhere in the meeting, said the incident report is useful because several residents had told her they sometimes do not feel safe at the library. "I think that's good that we have an idea of what's happened and can maybe, you know, respond a little better," she said.

Library staff said they expect to implement recommended exterior improvements "within the next couple of months" and will consider minimal interior changes as needed. The board discussion noted the library will continue collaboration with Corona PD and the city's facilities and parks staff as the changes are detailed.