Editor, the Gazette:
Regarding Letter to the Editor, March 14, “Library needs rules, regulations.”
The Grand Forks & District Public Library’s mission is to engage and enrich our community, and our vision is to be an innovative and accessible centre for the needs of our community — which includes all members of our community.
We value inclusiveness and diversity, and try to support the wide varieties of needs of people we serve, seeking to respect and appreciate the varied nature of our community.
I understand that these are tough concepts for some. There is a notion, long-held by some, of who public libraries are intended to serve, and who they are not. The fact of the matter is that public libraries are for everyone — full stop.
Still, it isn’t a jungle in the stacks. The library has a formal code of conduct. It is displayed prominently throughout the library and is available on our website. If patrons are found to be in violation of the code, staff will take actions to curb the behaviour as soon as it is called to their attention.
Regarding a specific point from last week’s letter: the library absolutely does not encourage drug use in or outside of our building. We have a sharps disposal unit in each bathroom because we are a public facility and such precautions are recommended in all public buildings — most public libraries of any size have them. The needles that end up here are not in the trash or on the ground — decide the lesser evil for yourself.
To address another point on apparent unpleasantness outside the library: the street is beyond our jurisdiction, but even so, where else would people go? When we do ask people to leave due to bad behaviour, outside is where we send them — what else would we or they possibly do?
Our country is in the midst of crises in both mental health and addiction. As one of the last truly public indoor spaces, public libraries bear the brunt of these problems, especially in small towns without anyplace else to go, and without adequate social supports.
Rather than imploring libraries to create barriers to admitting those you find undesirable, won’t the residents of Grand Forks come together and ask our city officials to do something about mental health and addictions in our area? If we could offer people help, we would have a community that is safer and happier for everyone.
While I wish that every resident of Grand Forks, Area C, and Area D were regular patrons of the library, I cannot force anyone to use our services. I affirm that we address safety concerns when they arise and that the library remains a safe and fun place to be.
In closing, I suggest that if someone takes issue with anything in the library that they come to us. Speak to a staff member if the need is urgent, and schedule a meeting with me if it can wait. I think that this is a more productive way to come to solutions together.
Cari Lynn Gawletz
Library Director