The meeting delved into the safety practices at the libraries, highlighting the need for a revised safety strategy in response to evolving community challenges, such as the opioid crisis. An increase in incidents post-pandemic has accelerated the need for these changes. A key element in the strategy is the implementation of vapor monitors, currently being pilot-tested at the Rondo and Arlington locations. This initiative, designed to address the rise in smoking and vaping incidents, is expected to be expanded across all libraries, pending the refinement of operational procedures based on pilot feedback. Funding for this expansion has been earmarked in the budget for 2025.

The library’s updated safety plan focuses on three pillars: building a culture of safety, consistent responses to safety challenges, and community engagement. These pillars are designed to foster a welcoming environment by maintaining cleanliness and clear staff identification, ensuring uniform emergency response protocols across library branches, and incorporating community input in safety strategies. An essential part of this plan is the introduction of site-specific playbooks that detail emergency procedures tailored to each library’s context.

Enhancing the library’s safety framework involves collaborative efforts across city departments. The Parks and Recreation department has adopted the standard response protocol used by the library, facilitating a unified approach to safety challenges. Alex Corey, the new library safety manager, has been instrumental in developing these initiatives. With experience in emergency management, Corey has implemented safety playbooks as “living documents” that adapt to the realities of each library space. Staff training has been expanded to include behavior management and de-escalation techniques, as well as administering Narcan for opioid overdoses.

Library safety specialists play a critical role in these safety efforts. These specialists are responsible for developing training materials that align with the library’s safety objectives while embedding restorative justice concepts into their work. Robert Lee Edwards III, a safety specialist, shared his approach to balancing safety with customer service. His interactions with patrons often highlight the importance of maintaining a positive demeanor and being receptive to the needs of the community. Edwards described how his experiences have reinforced the library as a “safe space” for both staff and patrons, and he remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment despite challenges, such as being spat at by a patron.

The meeting also touched on the broader implications of safety specialists’ work. Council members discussed the deployment and tracking of safety specialists, especially in libraries without a permanent specialist on-site. They examined the criteria for assigning specialists, considering factors such as incident rates and surrounding area crime statistics. A SharePoint-based incident tracker was introduced, allowing for detailed tracking and analysis of library incidents. This tool is expected to inform strategies and facilitate the allocation of resources where most needed.

In addition to safety measures, the meeting highlighted the “Read Brave” initiative, a citywide book club promoting reading among youth. This year’s featured book, “Akata Witch” by Nnedi Okorafor, aims to engage students and communities with its themes of identity and belonging. The program includes author visits and community events to foster dialogue and enhance community connections through literature.