Making Central Library Safer
Calgary Public Library, Alberta
Innovation Synopsis
Calgary Public Library has made Central Library safer. The library increased security, reorganized the interior to create public spaces and programmed those spaces with more activities, such as a decommissioned fire truck turned Early Learning Centre. The library’s exterior has been animated, through staff presence in pop-up booths and signage.
Challenge/Opportunity
Central Library, located on a busy corner in downtown Calgary, faced serious problems with crime and illicit activities. That posed serious challenges for library staff and members. Since a criminological study of the library was completed, the library has adopted numerous innovations to address the issues. The library’s comprehensive and continuous approach to enhancing safety has brought more people into Central Library and improved their experiences inside.
Key Elements of Innovation
Making Central Library safer encompassed three areas: security was improved, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design strategies were implemented and more programs and events were offered. Transformation occurred through small improvements, such as the addition of signs detailing the library’s code of conduct, all the way to teaming up with the City’s Fire Department to install a full-size fire engine. This addition created an interactive teaching tool for Calgary’s children under the age of five.
Achieved Outcomes
Families and other visitors now feel safer and happily populate Central Library. The library has become a more welcoming environment for all. The number of visits to Central Library jumped, from 1,059,505 in 2015 to 1,137,087 in 2016. The number of programs and activities delivered at Central also increased (1,285 in 2015 and 1,669 in 2016), as well as the number of program participants (25,076 in 2015 and 38,849 in 2016).
