Security incidents at Bob Harkins branch of PG Public Library on the decline

Often seen as a sanctuary of peace and quiet, libraries across Canada including the Bob Harkins branch in Prince George have been caught in the crossfire of several societal issues as of late – mainly centering around drug overdoses and mental health.

However, PGPL Library Director Paul Burry points out security incidents such as assaults, thefts and overdoses have been steadily on the decline since 2021, when the pandemic was still in vogue.

Burry, who spoke with MyPGNow.com, says management and staff have done a good job in developing a rapport with all of its clientele to help de-escalate many of these situations.

“When we are dealing with our patrons, we want to focus on relationship building techniques and finding out what people’s names are so that we know them when they are regulars, and we treat them with decency and respect and then when difficult incidents happen, the hope is that they will be more likely to do what they are directing them to do because you have built that relationship and have that respect.”

“That is one of the major spokes in our approach is that we are doing our best to de-escalate to reduce the number and likelihood of interactions with patrons who may be agitated or upset about something and if you can prevent that from happening, that is the best way to do that.”

But, when customers act in an unruly fashion, Burry stated tools and policies are in place to protect staff at all costs – this includes portable radios and naloxone kits.

“One thing we did when we did that was ensure we had portable radios for all of the members of the management staff. What we do when there is a serious incident involving a staff member is contact a someone from the management team who will also respond if they are in the building.”

“That has been a really valuable way to ensure we are providing support for our frontline workers in responding to difficult incidents – it also helps us get a first-hand understanding of the many kinds of incidents the staff are facing.”

Back in June, library staff at the Bob Harkins branch took part in training centering around de-escalation techniques and workplace violence.

Burry acknowledges the social issues downtown has harmed the branch located along Canada Games Plaza.

In markets like Toronto, their public library has seen a 529% year-over-year spike in overdose events.

Library staff in PG have been involved in providing medical assistance to those suffering an overdose at the Bob Harkins branch, a situation that can lead to negative mental health impacts later.

“It’s one of those invisible injury type of things where they might not realize they are suffering and your colleagues might not know you are suffering, so we try to get supports for staff if they are suffering like that.”

Back in 2017, the Provincial Health Service Authority launched Mobile Response Team’s to create psychosocial support for those working on the front lines of the overdose crisis.

Luckily, one of those team members lives in PG and has provided a helping hand to library staff regularly.

“He will do seminars and quick training sessions with staff and is available for staff to talk to if they are having any difficult issues.” added Burry.