Simplified: Siouxland Libraries Director Alysia Boysen said the library isn't about putting labels on people or judging their reasons for using the various resources available. But, in order to access those resources, people do have to follow the rules of conduct and library policies – something she said the city is taking a more proactive approach to addressing this year.
Why it matters
- The number of police calls to the downtown library has nearly doubled year-over-year, with 724 calls for service so far this year compared to 390 in the same time last year, according to data from the Sioux Falls Police Department.
- However, what that number doesn't capture is a shift to a new approach to enforcing the rules after the library started contracting with a new security provider in January. Boysen described the new company as being "more proactive" in making early connections with police – i.e. more calls, but the calls made are often less severe.
- Additionally, a group of librarians, public safety officials and the city's homelessness coordinator are in the process of reviewing library policies and rules of conduct with the hope of eliminating any "gray areas" and making sure the expectations of library visitors are clearly communicated, Boysen added.
"The reality is, we all want the same thing – we want a library that is safe, where people feel comfortable to fully access the services that are provided," Police Chief Jon Thum said. "There's expectations (i.e. policies, rules of conduct) we can have that ensure that takes place."
Tell me more
It's worth noting that the increase in calls also comes after the city approved a new ordinance last fall banning not only consumption of alcohol, but also possession.
- Drinking in the library was never OK, but the ordinance gives the police more authority to ask folks to leave before issues arise.
It's also against library policy to sleep in the library, something Boysen said is a matter of safety.
"We try to approach it with empathy," Boysen said. "If someone is asleep, we approach them and ask them if they're OK ... (and tell them) we need to make sure you're up because we want to make sure you're OK."
Other behaviors that merit police calls include smoking or vaping, as well as a growing number of mental health episodes, Boysen said.
Should we talk about homelessness in this conversation?
Sure, but Thum cautions conflating homelessness with crime or rule-breaking.
"We have to separate behavior from the issue of being homeless because I think there are very separate issues there," Thum said, noting that libraries are a great resource for someone who is experiencing homelessness and should be used.
But regardless of housing status, anyone visiting the library has to follow the rules.
Thum also emphasized that stricter enforcement at the library doesn't undo any of the other ways the city is serving unhoused folks.
"There's a holistic approach to a lot of these different issues," Thum said, adding that there has to be room in the community discourse for concern about homelessness and concern about keeping the downtown library safe for everyone.
Boysen also shared that libraries are also great connectors to community resources.
- The library is a great place for new parents to get out of the house and make connections to other parents, for example.
- It's also a great place to study or access the internet.
- And regularly libraries are used as a place for organizations like Southeastern Behavioral and Health Connect to reach people who may need their services.
What happens next?
The group reviewing library policies is expected to present recommendations to the library board in January.
In the long-term, Boysen hopes to see the downtown library become a destination for both residents and visitors.
"Our overall goal is that we’re providing a space within your neighborhood that you love, that you’re excited to go to, and you find it to be a place that you feel welcome," Boysen said.
