Prince Albert Library. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

SAFE LIBRARIES

Library workers seeing rise in violent incidents according to survey

Mar 20, 2023 | 2:00 PM

Are libraries in Saskatchewan safe places for employees and patrons? A new survey is turning the page on that question with alarming data.

The results of the survey, conducted last year, were released by CUPE Saskatchewan on Thursday and show a majority of respondents have experienced or witnessed violence in the workplace.

Of those who responded to the survey, 78 per cent reported verbal abuse, 71 per cent reported witnessing violence, and 44 per cent experienced sexual harassment.

While the data was largely taken from libraries in Saskatoon and Regina, President of CUPE Saskatchewan Judy Henley said it is happening everywhere.

“It’s actually happening right across Canada; it’s not unique to Saskatchewan,” she said.

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Henley noted with mental health, addictions, and homelessness becoming a growing concern in many parts of the province, staff have seen more aggressive behaviour in recent years.

“Mental health is on the rise, homelessness is on the rise, everything is on the rise and libraries are sometimes a place where people go to because it’s a warm place and a safe place,” she said. “What used to be a quiet place is no longer a quiet place.”

The survey looked at various levels of violence and harassment and exactly who is committing these acts. The results showed that a large number of cases involved a library patron or member of the public.

(CUPE Saskatchewan)

Many of the incidents involved threats of physical harm to an employee or being struck with an object.

However, about 36 per cent of those employees polled said they have not experienced a violent act over the past year.

(CUPE Saskatchewan)

paNOW reached out to several library networks including the Prince Albert Library Board, Wapiti, and Lakeland. The Lakeland Regional Library network responded by saying while it is aware of incidents in other libraries in the province, they have not seen an increase in such incidents in the past year.

“While those stories were very troubling, Lakeland Library Region has not experienced anything comparable at any of our library branches,” Executive Director Jake Marion said in a statement.

Henley though, believes many libraries are experiencing this level of harassment, and it not only puts workers in danger but patrons.

“If workers are not safe, this could adversely affect the public that are coming in to use the service. It’s not just about workers, it’s about keeping libraries safe for everybody,” she said.

As part of the report, CUPE also unveiled a number of recommendations for preventing these incidents in the future including violence prevention training, expanded union education, onsite social workers and Elders and bargaining for new provisions in collective agreements.

—

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock