Peggy
The Millennium Library isn’t the only library in Winnipeg to see an increase in incidents of violence and harassment, but so far the city isn’t considering the same type of security measures being introduced to downtown facilities. city for other places.
City data shows that 14 of 20 city-run libraries saw an increase in incidents in 2022 compared to their last year of comparable pre-pandemic operation.
The total number of incidents – including medical incidents and injuries – at Osborne Library rose from six to 43, comparing 2019 to 2022.
Last year’s total includes two assaults, six threats, two incidents of harassment, three incidents of verbal abuse and two incidents of intoxication. In 2019, there was one incident related to a threat and all other incidents were related to medical issues or injuries.
According to city data dating back to 2017, the total number of incidents reported at the Millennium site in 2022 was 627. The next highest year was 2018, with 559.
The City of Winnipeg reopened the Millennium Library on Monday with a walk-through metal detector, additional security guards and two uniformed police officers. The measures were introduced after a fatal stabbing inside the facility on December 11, 2022.
On Tuesday, Marilyn Gill visited Osborne’s site to inquire about booking a room for a reading of a book she had written. Gill, who goes by his pen name, wrote a children’s book called just like you about a girl with a limb difference.
Although she does not visit the Osborne branch regularly – she visits the Fort Garry branch more frequently – Gill said she has visited other branches in the city, including West Kildonan and Transcona, and that she had always felt safe.
“I never really felt it was necessary to do something like [at the Millennium Library],” she says.
Although she never felt unsafe when she visited the Millennium Library, Gill said she understood why staff would want extra security.
“I don’t know exactly what the answer would be. It’s pretty extreme measures that they do [at the Millennium Library]however, it depends on what makes people feel good about going to that particular library.
Winnipeg chief administrative officer Michael Jack, speaking to reporters on Monday, said no additional security measures were being considered at other libraries in the city.
“Security is something that is actively reviewed at all facilities in the city…especially where we host members of the public,” he said.
“These kinds of measures, that’s not being actively considered anywhere else.”
Beyond Libraries
The head of the union representing library workers said the increase in incidents of threats or intimidation is not limited to libraries, but includes other facilities like swimming pools and arenas.
Other public-facing employees, such as 311 operators, are increasingly experiencing “verbal abuse,” said Gord Delbridge, president of Local 500 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
“I think being a civil servant entails a higher level of control and people expect much higher standards from municipal employees. And often they take the brunt of the concerns,” Delbridge said.
Although the metal detector and police are needed at the Millennium Library, Delbridge said members don’t want to see the same security measures at other facilities.
“At the end of the day, I don’t think anyone wants security. They would like to live in a community where it is not necessary,” he said.
Mayor Scott Gillingham, speaking to reporters at City Hall on Tuesday, expressed the same sentiment.
“I don’t want police in every library, long term. I just don’t, hope it doesn’t come to that,” he said, adding that the city is awaiting a report from a consultant hired to perform a security audit of the library.