Saskatoon's downtown library beefing up security, adding other safety measures before reopening

A pair of Saskatoon library branches are set to reopen with beefed up security.

Last month, the Frances Morrison Library downtown and Dr. Freda Ahenakew Library in Riversdale shut down for a month. Both are scheduled to reopen Monday, April 14, for people to pick up items on hold and then fully reopen the following Monday, April 21.

The announcement of the closures last month said staff could no longer provide "safe and effective" services in the face of an increase in homelessness and a spike in overdoses.

"We saw a real influx of individuals who were coming in intoxicated and dealing with other, I think, challenges around grief in the community, and behavioural issues, and it was becoming really challenging to manage and well beyond the scope and mandate of the public library," Saskatoon Public Library CEO Carol Shepstone said.

"I think what we were seeing throughout the whole community was significant strain on the system around supporting those dealing with homelessness as well as the opioid poisoning and drug overdose crisis."

Shepstone said the libraries will have beefed up security, especially at the entrances, when they reopen.

"That's really dealing with folks coming through the door to make sure that some of the challenging behaviours and some of the most challenging incidents don't happen in the library, that we've dealt with them at the door before folks come in," Shepstone said.

The libraries have also added security cameras, provided more training for staff and made physical changes to the layout for better sight lines, she said.

"I would stress for everyone in the community, the library remains a welcoming and safe place," Shepstone said. "And we've really taken these measures to make sure that we can continue to offer the services and the programs and welcome folks that everyone feels welcome and safe."

When the two libraries closed on March 21, Michelle Pharis, president of the Canadian Union for Public Employees Local 2669, told CBC that staff were not trained to handle increasingly dangerous situations happening in some libraries.

"The drug poisoning, the increased incidents, the fact that police and emergency services who we count on are stretched beyond thin, we cannot provide library services under the conditions that are occurring in this city right now," Pharis said.

In an email to CBC, Saskatoon police Insp. Tony Landry said over the past couple of weeks the force has had conversations with Shepstone on improving the safety around and within the library.

"Police will continue to be visible presence around the library and will respond within to situations needing police involvement," Landry said.

Prior to the library closure, Landry said police provided visible police presence, including alternative response officers, the police Bike Unit, and foot patrols.

"The issues in and around the library are more than just traditional law enforcement when working with people with complex needs such as mental health and addiction issues," Landry said.

A new downtown library is currently under construction on Second Avenue and scheduled to open in 2027.

Shepstone said some of the problems with the current library have been addressed in the design for the new one.

"We've looked at safety and security as part of that design from the very start," she said.

"So I'm really optimistic and excited about the changes that will be built into that facility in this regard."