Safety concerns prompt library card requirement at Hamilton’s central branch

This week saw a big change at Hamilton’s public library downtown.

The library board voted for a temporary measure requiring library cards for entry.

Some members hope the move will increase safety and avoid a full closure as they deal with a rise in drug and safety issues in the space, while others say requiring a card is a barrier for access.

CHCH News got a library card today to see how easy it was. It only took about five minutes and all that was requested was a driver’s license.

Even if you don’t have a fixed address, you still can get a library card by providing something with your name on it.

This way they are able to identify everyone who comes inside.

Hamilton Public Library says the central branch on York Boulevard has been dealing with many issues lately.

“On any day staff are faced with verbal abuse, spitting, yelling,” says Melanie Cummings, Vice President of CUPE 932 which represents Hamilton Public Library workers. “Dealing with people who have overdosed and calling for security.”

On Friday, CHCH News witnessed open drug use out front and security spoke to one person that appeared intoxicated inside.

The library says these issues have been happening a lot lately, which is why they are now going to require people to have a library card to come in.

“The York Boulevard to the Jackson Square lobby is available,” says Shelley McKay, Manager of Communications with Hamilton Public Library. “People can walk through, enter the mall, go back out to the street, but if they want to enter the rest of the library here at central they will show their library card and staff will greet them.”

WATCH MORE: Hamilton Public Library board votes to require library card for central branch entry

That library card of course allows you to take out books, DVD’s, and games but there’s much more.

“We have maker spaces, which have 3D printing, movies, music, tons and tons of programming,” says McKay. “We have a concert right now at the central library.”

If you don’t have a fixed address, it’s still possible to get a library card.

“We just need something with your name on it, to identify you as a person. But if you are struggling with that, we do have people here that can help,” says the manager at the desk who helped CHCH get a library card on Friday. “We have community connectors, we have peer support workers, we have social services. They will all be on site next week when we start this process.”

The new measure was decided at a Wednesday night board meeting – with some there expressing opposition – saying it creates more barriers for those in need in the city.

The union that represents library workers is also disappointed.
“Our union is quite concerned about staff safety because it will create a friction point face to face with members who possibly can’t come in because they don’t have a library card and members face a lot of friction as it is with members these days,” says Cummings.

Meanwhile, one person who comes to the library often says he doesn’t want to see barriers but also wants children in the library to feel safe.

“The only thing I see then, is they are gonna know who is in the building and I don’t have a problem with that because this is a public library, it’s for everyone,” says a member of the library. “The children don’t need to be dealing with that, so I’m sorry, we can’t do both in this space, and that’s all there is to it.”

The measure goes into effect on Monday. The union that represents library workers says it will be trying to find other alternatives that will keep workers safe while maintaining equality.

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