Temporary closure of Saskatoon library branches amid overdose crisis needed but won't fix broader issues: CUPE
CBC
The union representing Saskatoon Public Library workers says the temporary closure of two library branches over safety concerns stemming from an overdose crisis is the right thing to do — for now.
On Friday, the public library announced a month-long closure of its downtown Frances Morrison Library and the Dr. Freda Ahenakew library on 20th Street W. in the wake of the city's protracted overdose crisis.
Library staff responded to at least 48 overdoses or drug poisonings so far this year — almost double the number from the same period in 2024, according to a statement from the public library.
Both branches will reopen April 21, it said.
Michelle Pharis, president of the Canadian Union for Public Employees Local 2669, said the library staff it represents want to be as welcoming as possible, but they're 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.
CUPE 2669 represents around 260 Saskatoon library employees, not including janitorial and security employees.
Staff at the two branches are routinely stopping people from using or selling drugs, and are removing intoxicated people from the buildings in line with bylaw requirements, Pharis said.
Hiring more staff could improve safety but wouldn't solve underlying problems, she added.
"Having more staff in the library doesn't help that person right outside the front door who is in an overdose situation, and we're calling the ambulance and they can't come because there aren't enough of them," Pharis said.
The statement from the library said its staff can't provide "safe and effective" services in the face of an increase in homelessness and a spike in overdose cases caused by a toxic drug supply in the city.
"Addressing the increasing number of medical emergencies and violent incidents in the library is beyond our capacity," it said.
"Our employees face the challenging task of referring people to community services that are often unavailable or overcapacity due to a lack of resources."
The library's statement said no one with Saskatoon Public Library will be available for interviews on this matter.
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