Thunder Bay Library Seeks Funding for Security After Staff Assault
The Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) is planning to request additional funding from the city to improve safety measures after a staff member was assaulted Tuesday afternoon at the Brodie Street branch.
According to library CEO Richard Togman, the incident involved a patron who had previously been banned from the library and was under a no-trespass order. When a staff member attempted to contact police to have the individual removed, the staffer was violently attacked. The injured employee received medical attention, and the branch was closed the following day to allow staff to access mental health support.
Togman reported a significant increase in security-related incidents across library branches, including drug use, intoxication, threats, and assaults. So far in 2024, the library has recorded over 500 such incidents—more than double the average of 225 annually over the past decade.
“We’ve seen a 38 percent rise in incidents in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year,” Togman said, noting that this amounts to more than one incident per day. The Waverley and Brodie branches, located in the city’s north and south cores respectively, are experiencing the highest volume of incidents.
Previously, the library attempted to manage safety internally by hiring community facilitators to help de-escalate tense situations. However, Togman said these efforts are no longer sufficient given the rising volume and severity of incidents. The library plans to ask city council for funding dedicated to safety and security upgrades.
Potential measures include hiring security guards, improving surveillance systems, and redesigning spaces to improve visibility. Togman emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration with local safety task forces and acknowledged that while the library maintains a good working relationship with police, response times are not always adequate due to high demand on local law enforcement.
Across Canada, public libraries are increasingly facing similar challenges. Libraries are often seen as community hubs where vulnerable individuals seek shelter or support, especially as access to other public services becomes more limited. Staff are frequently placed in frontline roles that extend beyond their traditional responsibilities.
Nicole Dalmer, a researcher in social gerontology and public libraries, noted that libraries are now grappling with underfunding while being expected to address complex social issues. She highlighted the importance of initiatives such as placing trained social workers in branches to support both patrons and staff.
Locally, CUPE Local 3120, which represents TBPL workers, is advocating for the immediate addition of security guards and long-term procedural changes. Union president Margaret Demillo said the union is launching a public campaign to pressure city council for resources that will ensure both staff and visitors are safe.
“We need it to be a safe workplace for us, and we need it to be a safe place to visit for the community,” she said.
