The random acts of violence that are happening on our streets and in our transit systems in cities across Canada are also making their way into public libraries.
Local branches of all sizes are reporting an increase in verbal and physical violence. And for some, the pandemic made it even worse.
Over the past two years, one person died and six others were injured in a mass stabbing in a public library in North Vancouver. Last December, 28-year-old Tyree Cayer was killed during a visit to Winnipeg’s Millennium Library. Four teenagers were charged in his death. And two branches of the Saskatoon library were closed temporarily because of concerns about staff safety.
Shocking revelation – Libraries are now ad hoc homeless shelters!
