Saskatoon Public Library temporarily closing two locations over safety concerns

Saskatoon Public Library. (File)

The Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) says it’s temporarily closing two busy city libraries due to safety concerns.

Effective March 23, the Frances Morrison Central Library and Dr. Freda Ahenakew Library will close until April 13.

“This has coincided with a dramatic increase in our city’s population who are experiencing homelessness and a rapid worsening of our community’s opioid poisoning crisis, making it difficult for SPL to continue providing safe and effective library services at these locations,” the SPL said in a release Friday afternoon.

SPL says it has responded to at least 48 overdoses or drug poisonings this year, nearly double the number from the same period in 2024.

According to SPL, library staff have also seen a “significant rise” in challenging public behaviour and the escalation of violent behaviour from people inside the library.

“We cannot serve as a refuge for people with nowhere else to go, who need support with addictions and who are experiencing medical emergencies,” said Carol Shepstone, SPL CEO.

Saskatoon has been grappling with an overdose crisis in the past month.

According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, at least 350 overdose cases have been reported since March 1, including multiple suspicious deaths.

Prairie Harm Reduction says a brownish-red substance with dangerous levels of fentanyl causes the overdoses.

Shepstone says public libraries are vital community resources, but they cannot fill the void left by the deterioration and lack of critical social and health services.

During the closure, SPL will focus on enhancing safety measures, providing additional training and wellness support to employees, and refocusing on library services.

SPL says it plans to reopen these locations for holds pickups on April 14 and resume regular service on April 21.