Gun Lock Distribution for Community Safety
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Our Gun Lock Distribution Program is a community-driven initiative that positions the Library as a trusted civic partner in public safety. By offering free gun locks at all 41 Library locations, the program helps prevent unauthorized access to firearms, especially from children, and raises awareness of the Library’s role as a provider of useful, essential resources for our community. Through strategic partnerships and public engagement with city and county Police Departments and our Cincinnati City Council, this initiative demonstrates that libraries can lead meaningful change in advocacy and safety.
Challenge/Opportunity
This innovation was designed to address several pressing community challenges:
- The need to reduce unauthorized access to firearms, which are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States.
- The lack of accessible and stigma-free distribution points for gun safety tools.
- The need to reinforce the Library’s role as a safe, neutral, and trusted space.
- The opportunity to build cross-sector partnerships that promote public health and safety.
- The desire to demonstrate the Library’s ability to partner in addressing urgent civic issues.
Key Elements of Innovation
The Gun Lock Distribution Program was launched in April 2024. This initiative grew out of our government relations work locally in building a strong relationship with Cincinnati City Council Member Anna Albi who now serves informally as the Library’s liaison to City Council, meeting monthly with us. Thanks to this collaboration with Councilmember Albi, gun locks are available for free at all 41 Library locations, . The program is supported by a coalition of partners, including the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County law enforcement agencies, local nonprofits, and the Veterans Administration. Activities include gun lock distribution, public awareness campaigns, and staff engagement. The program’s goals are to prevent unauthorized firearm access, promote child safety, and position the Library as a proactive civic partner. This initiative is unique in its cross-sector collaboration and redefines the Library’s role as a public health ally and safety resource.
Achieved Outcomes
Since its inception, the Library has distributed a total of 432 gun locks to the community: 308 in 2024 and 124 in 2025 to date. The program has increased visibility of the Library as a safe and trusted space and has received positive feedback from customers and community leaders. New partnerships have been formed with Cincinnati City Council, law enforcement, and federal agencies. Staff have expressed pride in participating in a life-saving initiative, and community members have shared their appreciation for the Library’s leadership in safety. Success is measured through distribution counts, branch-level engagement, media coverage, and testimonials from community partners.
