The Saskatoon Public Library has posted on their website that the Frances Morrison Central and Dr. Freda Ahenakew branch have moved to contactless services until February 28th. The change went into effect yesterday.

The library says it is pausing in library services at those locations, “while we make operational changes that support our goal to provide a safe, harassment-free environment for our patrons and employees. We appreciate the support of our community and our many partners as we respond to this challenging time.”

Violence in the workplace is not new for library workers, but the pandemic has exacerbated frustration levels, and in particular it seems, at Saskatoon’s more central branches. That’s according to a CUPE representative for Saskatoon Public Library union members. Rhonda Heisler says it’s a problem that urban libraries are dealing with across the country.

Although it’s not something that happened in the last few days, Heisler notes that one worker asked a patron to wear a face mask and was punched in the face. Verbal abuse is a daily occurrence. She says, “Library workers are yelled at, spat at, physically and verbally threatened and face racism.”

The front line staff regularly face drug overdoses and have to either call 911 or administer Naloxone. She believes both the training on how to administer Naloxone and giving it are optional for staff. CUPE is advocating for security personnel to be hired who are trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation to be hired.

Holds pick-up, Grab & Go bags, faxing, scanning and printing services will be available at the two affected branches. Library hours will be 10 am – 6 pm / Monday – Saturday and 1- 5:30 pm on Sunday.