Steinbach library eyeing security measures following safety incidents

Safety concerns have prompted staff at the Jake Epp Library in Steinbach to look at enhancing security. Jeff Keele has more.

A number of safety incidents are prompting short- and long-term security measures at Steinbach’s Jake Epp Library.

Carol Minty is a regular at the library.

“I was a teacher librarian, so that’s where you go when you’re looking for your happy spot,” said Minty.

But recently Minty has noticed some unwanted activity at that happy spot.

“Foolishness,” she said. “Things that shouldn’t be happening in a library, you know.”

Library director Aubrey Walker said off and on they’ve been dealing with some safety incidents, including people engaging in illegal activity, such as drug paraphernalia being found in spots around the library. Some patrons have even had weapons in their bags, and the most unsettling moment was a scuffle between two patrons.

“Well, that one was in December, right during our Santa Day, when we have a bunch of children in the library, which is not ideal,” said Walker.

Walker said they instituted some temporary security measures. The bathrooms were locked, bags had to be checked in, and a reading corner was closed because staff couldn’t always monitor what was going on.

“It just wasn’t being utilized correctly and we found that was a space where we would find things after the fact.”

The bathrooms are now open, and there are no more bag checks as things have calmed down. Still, Walker said what they need is a long-term solution. She said a security guard, even metal detectors can’t be ruled out, but they’re looking for the least intrusive plan.

They want a security camera system installed first to see if that is enough to keep everyone safe.

“We need security cameras in here that will help us see what’s actually going on when we can’t be there, cause people get really good at hiding things when you start walking around.”

Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk said the province has promised the city a $200,000 grant for safety upgrades. He notes some of that could be used to help the library pay for a camera system.

“Once we know what we need to do in order to access that money, then we’ll go down those avenues to get it done,” said Funk.

Minty has no problems smiling for the cameras. She believes the cameras would assist the staff.

“Because it will keep them going,” said Minty. “We want to keep our library going. It’s the heart of the community.”