The Real Cost of Safety in London and Oxford County Libraries

Public libraries should be sanctuaries of knowledge and calm, but in London and Oxford County, they're grappling with a different reality. Over the past few years, these havens of learning have faced rising security challenges fueled by drug use, harassment, threats, and even thefts. This has forced libraries to divert funds from their already slim budgets to bolster safety measures for staff and visitors alike.

Lisa Marie Williams, CEO of Oxford County Library, explained that the rise in security incidents has been significant. Patrons allegedly using drugs, harassing staff, and creating disturbances have necessitated a full-time security guard at their Tillsonburg branch. This measure, though effective, has cost the library more than $83,800—a hefty sum for the rural system's $6.1 million budget for 2024.

In urban settings, like the London Public Library, the struggle isn't new. CEO Michael Ciccone shared that his team has been dealing with similar issues for years, worsened by crises such as homelessness and opioid addiction. Staff members, including security guards, often find themselves confronting illegal activities in bathrooms, facing racial slurs, and managing increasingly aggressive patrons.

To combat these issues, the London Library has ramped up security, particularly at its Central Branch downtown, which sees the most incidents. Measures include hiring security guards at key locations and employing a full-time transitional care worker through the Canadian Mental Health Association, a program funded through 2027.

While these security measures are crucial, they're far from cheap. Ciccone estimated that about $1 million from the library’s budget goes toward safety initiatives, with approximately $600,000 specifically earmarked for security. Despite this investment, staff continue to handle biohazard cleanups and call police for help dealing with aggressive incidents.

Both Williams and Ciccone highlight the need for additional support from higher levels of government to adequately manage these issues. Ciccone emphasized, “This is not a library problem, this is a social and political problem.” Libraries, he argued, are doing everything within their limited capacities, but more funding and assistance are needed.

Despite the challenges, Williams reassured that the majority of library visits are incident-free. Her team continues to receive training on de-escalation tactics and has the authority to ban disruptive patrons temporarily. These efforts ensure that libraries remain safe and welcoming spaces for all.

It's clear that managing the safety of public libraries in London, ON, and Oxford County is an uphill battle. The rising costs and efforts required to keep these community hubs secure are a reminder that libraries are often on the front lines of broader social issues. It’s time we recognize their essential role and provide the necessary support to keep them open and safe for everyone.