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Resident tells committee patrons avoid library over safety and children’s materials concerns
Summary
A public commenter said families and children are avoiding the library because of people "hanging around" the courtyard and certain children's books; committee members directed the speaker to discuss collection challenges with the trustees, and staff described planned visibility, lighting and access-control measures in the new design.
During the public-comment period, a resident who identified herself as "Miss Scare" told the committee she hears that families are "afraid to come to the library, especially with their children, because of the amount of people hanging around," citing homelessness and substance-use concerns. She urged the committee not to spend more money on the library until public-safety concerns and book-content challenges are addressed.
Chairman O'Brien acknowledged the comment and told the speaker that collection challenges should be directed to the Library Board of Trustees. In the presentation that followed, consultants and library staff said design strategies will aim to improve visibility and operations: the courtyard will be well lit, include access-control and camera coverage, and staff will coordinate with police and fire on operations and patrols as the design unfolds. "We're gonna have access control and cameras associated within this area," the owner's project manager said.
