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Library takes steps to reduce disturbances at main branch
By Ann Thompson
2/9/2010 3:56:00 PM

The union, representing some Cincinnati library employees, is complaining about what it calls increased violence at the downtown branch. WVXU's Ann Thompson reports.

THOMPSON: The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County says the allegations are a blatent attempt to make it look bad, as rank and file members decide whether to decertify their union. Not so, says the Service Employees International Union spokesperson Anthony Caldwell.

CALDWELL: This is a bigger issue. This isn't just the union versus the library. This is an issue about the safety and security of the patrons and the staff.

THOMPSON: He says last month library employees complained about a beer bottle thrown from the fourth floor that smashed a glass display case on the first floor, books thrown, an indecent exposure, a ptron with a knife and more. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department, which patrols the downtown library, with library security personnel, confirms 17 incidents, all misdemeanors, except for that bottle thrown, a felony for vandalism. Amy Banister is library spokeswoman.

BANISTER: We have seen more minor incidents occuring and we brought in a security expert who suggested that one of the things that would help to lower that rate of incidents would be to try to not escalate a confrontation.

THOMPSON: One way the library will do that is to have their security officers dress down, wearing khakis and golf shirts. The union says it would like to see more than a dress change, and calls on the library to do more.
Ann Thompson 91.7 WVXU

Listener Comments

Moe from Cincinnati says: Luke, Exactly when did you see prostitution and gangs at the Main Library? Could this be your interpretation of certain people who visit the Library? I've been to the Library numerous times recently, and sure I've seen bad behavior: pushing and shoving, explicit and loud language, etc. But I've seen that in other public places in downtown Cincinnati too. The Library can not pick and choose who they allow in their doors. It is a PUBLIC library. You can bemoan the changing times as it is not the kind of library that you may have visited 20 years ago. However, it provides shelter to the homeless, computers to the disadvantaged, information to everyone, and entertainment to those who can't afford to buy or rent books, CDs, and DVDs. Appreciate the library for the wonderful service it provides TO ALL. Don't criticize them for the bad behavior of a few compared to the many who use it properly. Thursday, February 11, 2010

Luke from Cincinnati says: I think it is great that someone is speaking out about what is going on at the library. I am a regular at the main library and you wouldn't believe what people are allowed to get away with... drugs, fighting, gangs, prostitution, you name it. Something has to change. The public should be outraged. We just passed a levy to support the services at the library and now I wonder why. It has got so out of hand that I am fearful when I go to the library. Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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