Hamilton library card access pilot shows early drop in incidents, concerns remain

It’s been one week since the Hamilton Library launched a controversial pilot project at its downtown branch that requires visitors to bring their library card in order to get in.

Those in charge said Monday, there’s been a noticeable reduction in incidents at the Central branch but it’s too soon to draw any firm conclusions.

The union representing the workers at the Central branch agree that there has been a reduction in drug-related incidents, but say they are still concerned how carding has put staff into tense confrontations with the public.

On March 16, the library launched a two-month pilot aimed at reducing the number of safety-related incidents within the branch.

A statement to CHCH News from one library official says there has been change, but it’s still too soon.

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“After the first week of the pilot at Central Library, we are seeing encouraging early signs, including a noticeable reduction in incidents,” said Nick Kondrat, the Senior Communications Officer with the Hamilton Public Library. “That said, it is still very early and we will need to gather and review more data over the full duration of the pilot before drawing any firm conclusions or making decisions about next steps.”

When asked about the efficacy of the program, the union representing the employees tasked with carrying it out raised concern.

In a statement, CUPE 932 wrote, “At this time, it is too early to draw conclusions about this pilot. While there seems to be a reduction in drug-related incidents in the washrooms of late, carding has put staff in tense confrontations with visitors who don’t have a card or are denied access.”

Overall, feedback on the pilot program is mixed.

“I’ll wait for the results of the pilot and make my comments to the library board, but so far, I’m hearing mixed reviews,” said City Councillor for Ward 2 Cameron Kroetsch.

The library says it will share a more comprehensive update once the pilot is further along, and more data and feedback have been reviewed.

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