Letter to KFPL Board regarding health & safety, and staffless library pilot
Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board
130 Johnson Street
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 1X8
boardchair@kfpl.ca
Dear Chair Alan Revill and Library Board Members,
We are writing to express our concern regarding recent incidents at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library as featured in the local media. Given the serious nature of the recent incidents of assault and violence, the members of the Kingston and District Labour Council urge you to cancel the staffless library project proposed for the Pittsburgh Library Branch.
We are concerned for the health and safety of patrons and staff members at the public library. We are also concerned for the reputation of the public library should a patron get injured during the staffless hours. We believe the public library should be a trusted, vital and thriving public resource in our community, accessible to all and safe for all.
Our public library system is an integral part of our community and we recognize that the crises of housing, mental health and addiction are systemic, complex issues affecting not only the public library but schools, hospitals and workplaces across the province. Decades of disinvestment have left our community with a shortage of housing, health and social supports. Public libraries must remain safe, welcoming and accessible public spaces for all residents of Kingston and Frontenac County. Our public libraries have a tremendous role to play in the democratic, educational and recreational life of our community.
Public libraries best serve the public when they are staffed in person by trained, knowledgeable, welcoming and compassionate employees.
Sincerely,
Janet Heyman, President
Kingston & District Labour Council
PO Box 35058
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 5S5
kingstonlabourcouncil@gmail.com
