Rise in violent incidents taking toll on understaffed Victoria libraries [Video]

Violent and threatening disturbances are on the rise at Greater Victoria libraries at a time when the library system is facing critical staff shortages — a combination of challenges union officials warn are taking a toll on staff and patrons.

Last year, the library system saw 732 incident reports filed across its 12 branches, a 200 per cent increase from 2021. The majority of those — 583 incidents — were recorded at the downtown central location.

The reports include a range of incidents, from patrons falling asleep at computers or minor theft to racist name-calling.

Caitlin Ottenbreit, a librarian at the downtown branch and vice-president of the library workers’ union, CUPE410, said the growing disturbances are taking a serious toll on employee well-being. 

“The number of incidents is increasing quite dramatically,” she said. “[It’s] a really significant increased burden on staff.”

It’s an issue many libraries across Canadahave been facing in recent years as they work …