Saint Paul, like many cities, is grappling with the local impacts of a national opioid/drug crises and knows that “everything that shows up in our community shows up in our library.” Our library system has been working to balance its responsibility as a public space in the face of this crisis. In Saint Paul, the impacts of current challenges are most acutely felt in neighborhoods at the center of historic and structural disinvestment. For example, Saint Paul’s Rondo neighborhood is among the most impacted, with the Rondo Community Library at the center. Its location (at a busy intersection, across the street from a light-rail train station and an underused commercial lot) means it also sees significant patronage from persons who are unhoused and in active addiction. When disruptive / dangerous incidents interrupt or cancel services, the effect is that underserved communities face additional barriers to accessing spaces and services that support long-term health and well-being.

The library’s previous safety model centered on a code of conduct, enforced by a banning process and supported by contracted security guards. It was, in short, a punitive and reactive model. SPPL has now moved to a proactive, restorative mode to build compelling violence reduction strategy for library that was based in public engagement, research and analysis of real time data and cross-sector collaboration of stakeholders. The new Library Safety Strategy, developed in partnership with the community, driven by data and community engagement, and tracked through KPIs, is anchored by three values-centered pillars:

1. Build a culture of safety 2. Optimal, appropriate response to incidents

3. Restore service and connection

The new, inventive Safety Model launched in early 2024. The core work is built around the power of relationships and the work of seven consistent, visible, approachable library employees who were hired as Library Safety Specialists and a Library Safety Manager.

The Library’s innovative approach to Public Safety is working. Reported incidents at Rondo Library are on track to decrease by an astonishing 65% from 2024; as of this writing, safety related incidents are tracking to a 40% systemwide decline for the year compared to 2024. SPPL created new staff positions: a Library Safety Manager and six full-time Library Safety Specialists (3 of whom are currently deployed at Rondo). These individuals replaced contracted security officers, whose training and work did not always align with library work and values. As a result: Safety Specialists on staff at Rondo, George Latimer Central, Rice Street and Sun Ray locations, Site-specific Safety Playbooks created for each library location, with an emphasis on consistent response and trauma-sensitive recovery for staff and patrons, Added safety infrastructure (vapor monitors, radios, automatic door locks and improved cameras) with oversight by Safety Manager

Supporting Materials:

• The Minnesota Star Tribune: "St. Paul hopes good vibes will help library patrons feel safer"
• Public Safety Committee Town Hall Flyer