The Squamish Library says its next call-in with other branches throughout the Lower Mainland will likely revolve around safety, following a deadly stabbing that happened outside the North Vancouver branch.
"We typically check in every couple of weeks, but we've added an additional one this week to talk about safety protocols and to share best practices from any other libraries that have ever dealt with anything even vaguely related to this type of tragedy," said Hilary Bloom, director of library services at Squamish Library."To do another check-back on what we have in place. Is it enough? Is it appropriate?"
Bloom said libraries in B.C. share resources, and often are in contact with each other, so the effects of this weekend's assault are being felt across the province in places such as Squamish.Bloom said it especially hits close to home, as her sister lives in the area where the incident happened.
"My sister happens to live right near there, so she and her family have been directly impacted by it, knowing people that were there on the scene," she said.On Saturday, six people were wounded, and one died, after an assailant stabbed them outside the North Vancouver library.
Homicide investigators said in a news release that a 28-year-old man named Yannick Bandaogo has been charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of a woman.Bandaogo is in custody and underwent surgery for self-inflicted wounds.
"This is a deeply profound and tragic incident that has shaken all of us," says Insp. Michelle Tansey, acting officer-in-charge of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team in the release.It's shaken people who work in libraries as well.
"It's shocking. From a library perspective, of course, very upsetting," said Bloom."I understand there was a book sale happening that weekend as well, so I think they had a lot of volunteers and others there affiliated with the library. And it's just like the hub of the Lynn Valley community in the same way that our library on a typical Saturday can be buzzing with lots of community members."
Bloom said that the incident is prompting the Squamish Library to re-examine its safety precautions.She said since 2015, the library has had a security guard.
"Libraries are a welcoming space, but they are a part of what goes in society," said Bloom. "So what happens in the community can happen in the library. So it's important to keep my staff safe and keep the community safe."The guard acts as a greeter and also keeps an eye on how long people use facilities like the washrooms. He checks in on them if there seems to be a cause for concern, she said.
He also is equipped with a naloxone kit and is trained in administering it.The library also has relationships with Under One Roof and Helping Hands, and works with them for cases where the library's guests may need some form of social assistance.
Bloom also noted RCMP have been very responsive to the library.She said ideally, the library is a safe and welcoming space for all. It's also the only place where people can come in without buying anything or being questioned.
However, sometimes precautions have to be taken."Though as much as I would like to think in very rosy glowing glasses about that safe aspect of the library, I think it just kind of drives home the reality…[that] we need to have the protocols as best as we can to ensure people are able to enjoy this space in a safe manner," Bloom said.
That being said, Bloom said she doesn't think this type of incident will be the norm."I definitely wouldn't interpret this incident to be reflective of a major change in libraries' safety," she said.
"I really see it as a very unfortunate unique incident."She encouraged people to still come out and keep using and supporting the library.
