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Belgrade library outlines safety response after nearby skate-park assault, plans anti-bullying workshops
Summary
Board members raised concerns after an assault near the skate park; the director described the librarys incident reporting, de-escalation training, coordination with police and planned anti-bullying/anti-violence workshops to engage teens.
At the meeting Chair raised concerns about a recent assault at the nearby skate park in which multiple teenagers were involved and asked the director to summarize any impacts on the library. "The act of violence that occurred in the park here last week where there was an assault on another teenager by 4 individuals," the Chair said, expressing concern about spillover effects in library spaces.
Elena, the library director, described steps staff take when patrons behave disruptively: staff present the librarys code of conduct, issue warnings, ask patrons to leave for the day on repeated violations and call police if the behavior continues. "Our staff typically approach patrons that are behaving unruly or that are breaking our code of conduct...The second time we give them a warning and we let them know, if this persists, we have to ask you to leave for the day...if it continues and if they don't leave, we...have to call the police," Elena said. She also said staff have completed de-escalation training and will repeat training this year.
Elena said the library is coordinating with the police department and with Parks and Recreation to explore outreach and programming that would engage teenagers, including potential anti-bullying and anti-violence workshops, incentives to bring at-risk teens to programs, and collaboration with the school district to ensure appropriate referrals. She said Rebecca, the teen library specialist, has been running well-attended teen programs (gaming, Dungeons & Dragons, makerspace activities) and staff hope to use programming to foster engagement and reduce risky activity.
The board thanked staff for proactive steps and encouraged continued coordination with police and parks; no formal policy change or vote was taken at the meeting.
