Community members engage in discussions at the San Antonio library.
The San Antonio Public Library is assessing a police presence program initially implemented to address a spike in assaults at the Central Library. Community members express concerns about safety, intimidation, and the impact on marginalized groups. The library plans a thorough evaluation involving community input and collaboration with local academic institutions to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors while addressing ongoing concerns.
In the bustling city of San Antonio, the local library system is diving deep into discussions about safety and community vibes. Recently, at a meeting held at the Tobin Library, Kathy Donellan, the Assistant Director of the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL), provided an update regarding a pilot program that stationed police officers at the Central Public Library. This initiative was originally launched to tackle a troubling increase in assaults that had struck the library recently.
For context, the Central Library reported a staggering 18 assault incidents in 2023, which included nine against security staff and several others involving library employees and other visitors. It’s clear that safety has become a primary concern for library officials. As a response, the pilot program introduced two armed officers stationed at the library during peak hours for winter months, with an investment of approximately $14,000.
However, this pilot program hasn’t come without its critics. During the library board meeting, community builder Jade Pacheco expressed strong disapproval of the police presence at the library. Many residents fear that having police officers in such a space might create an environment of intimidation rather than safety, particularly for marginalized communities. These apprehensions are further fueled by concerns about the potential profiling of undocumented individuals and the overarching fear of police violence.
Despite some observed increases in library visitors—with February recording an average of 22,000 monthly footfalls—worries lingered. After the police pilot was paused, reports indicated 17 incidents were logged with the San Antonio Police Department in the following months, highlighting a persistently concerning trend. While library officials have stated that officers were engaged primarily for severe incidents resulting in only two arrests during the active program months, there remains a palpable tension in the community about safety measures.
Library officials are committed to ensuring that any evaluation related to police presence is conducted transparently and with community input. To that end, they are undertaking a two-phase study dubbed “Improving Safety at the San Antonio Public Central Library through Needs Assessment.” This assessment is projected to cost nearly $50,000 and aims first to analyze data collaboratively with the University of Texas at San Antonio’s School of Social Work.
The interim report from this study is expected in the coming months, and library officials are emphasizing the importance of collaboration, diverse perspectives, and rigorous research methods. They have also hosted two community discussions, known as “World Café” sessions, where about 40 community members participated to share their insights and experiences.
The library has its sights set on carefully studying the feedback and evaluation findings before presenting them to the board later this summer. It’s an important step that will guide future decisions regarding police presence within the library. Some library staff feel the need for police officers remains, while others push for community-based safety solutions, reflecting a rich tapestry of opinions within the community.
As discussions continue and evaluations unfold, one thing remains clear: the library is devoted to finding ways to ensure safety while fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Whether through police presence or alternative safety measures, San Antonio’s library system is on a path to address the pressing needs of its community while keeping the conversation open and engaging.
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