Hamilton Public Library board reviews data on card access pilot project at Central branch

A meeting is underway in Hamilton to review the findings of the Central Public Library card access pilot project.

The pilot project required adults to show a valid Hamilton public library card to access the main library spaces during a two month period.

This was in an effort to reduce disruptive behaviour, illegal drug use and suspected overdoses, according to the library board.

Thursday’s meeting is to review the findings of the pilot project that took place between March 16 and May 16th of this year, and the board is expecting to hear from 18 community members and according to the report, the pilot project successfully achieved its intended objectives.

During the pilot project, the Hamilton Library Centre location required adults to show a valid public library card to access the main spaces, with children and teens under 18 being exempt.

One student told CHCH News that they didn’t mind the pilot, because they always had their ID on them at all times.

WATCH MORE: Library card required to enter Hamilton’s Central Library starting March 16

The pilot project was introduced to test whether temporary access procedures could help reduce harmful incidents, improve safety and support more stable library operations during what the library is calling “a period of heightened challenges” related to the toxic drug crisis.

One man told CHCH News that they liked the pilot when it was running, as it left the space calmer and quieter.

The library says the findings did demonstrate that the pilot successfully achieved its intended objectives.

The library says during the pilot period, the central library experienced significant reductions in suspected illegal drug use, 911 calls and other operational disruptions.

“For the most part, people actually appreciated it,” said Hamilton Library senior communications executive Shelley McKay. “Our incidents went down, our overdoses went down, use of Naloxone went down and actually our membership went up.”

Thursday’s meeting is for information purposes only, and to hear feedback from the public — no rules or decisions will be made.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton library reviewing data from card access pilot project at Central branch