Librarians Across Los Angeles Say They No Longer Feel Safe at Work

I recently came across an article titled, 'Librarians Across Los Angeles Say They No Longer Feel Safe' by Jamie Paige and Rachael Gaudiosi. In the article, I read the following:

The region’s libraries have an array of patrons. That includes many people experiencing homelessness, who often use the public buildings to escape heat during the summer, cold and rain during the winter, or simply as a way to temporarily escape the streets. The vast majority are peaceful and law-abiding.

But some individuals have caused disruptions that raise serious concerns. A Westside Current review of 911 call data from 25 of the 72 Los Angeles City library branches found that LAPD officers were dispatched to libraries more than 900 times last year. Many of the calls involved unhoused individuals and stemmed from reports of violence, drug use, and trespassing.

The trouble is particularly acute at certain branches.

At the West Los Angeles Branch at 11360 Santa Monica Boulevard, where Rachel was parked, the LAPD responded to 98 emergency calls in the last two years. The incidents included violent disturbances, overdoses, narcotics-related activity, robbery, and reports of sexual assault and child endangerment. In several cases, dispatch logs show officers encountering individuals suffering from apparent mental illness or intoxication. Other incidents involved criminal threats and emergency medical transports.

Who knew working as a librarian at a public library could be so dangerous? 

Click on the above link to read the full article.