Hamilton Public Library looks to check cards, screen visitors at Central branch as drug concerns persist
CBC
The Hamilton Public Library is pitching a new check-in system at Central branch after months of struggling to stop people selling or using drugs inside.
If approved by the board at a meeting Wednesday night, all visitors to the downtown branch will be required to present their library cards or passes to be allowed in, says a report by CEO and chief librarian Paul Takala.
"The protocol is designed to ensure people visiting Central can … use the library, provided they are willing to identify themselves and be accountable for their actions within the library," the report says.
The pilot project would run from March 16 to May 17, with staff evaluating its effectiveness along the way.
It's one of several steps Central has taken this winter to balance being a welcoming space for all — including people experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges — while also protecting the safety of staff and other patrons.
"People who rely on our services, including families with children, are being prevented from visiting because of well-founded concerns that they will witness open drug consumption, extreme intoxication and overdoses," says the report.
"There is a small but real risk that they might be accidentally exposed to the toxic substances."
Security guards, community outreach workers and social workers are already on site much of the time, but recently Central has cut back its hours when they're not.
It did consider closing for some weeks or months, but decided to instead try the library card check first, the report says.
The Hamilton Encampment Support Network is opposed to the library card checks and is encouraging people to attend the board meeting Wednesday to voice concerns.
"The Central library plays a vital role in the community, especially for members of our community who do not have access to safe, affordable and accessible housing," said the grassroots advocacy group in a statement on social media Monday.
"This proposed safety protocol creates more unnecessary barriers to accessing public spaces that everyone deserves to use. Cutting hours, closing on Sundays, and restricting access to cardholders will not solve the housing crisis or the closure of harm reduction services in the downtown core."
McMaster University associate Prof. Nicole Dalmer said frustration with the library is "misguided."
"The library has tried everything possible before turning to this [card check]," said Dalmer, with the Department of Health, Aging and Society.
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The Hamilton Public Library is pitching a new check-in system at Central branch after months of struggling to stop people selling or using drugs inside.
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