This library has checked out.
A public library in California has shut its doors following months of rampant drug use, robberies and even public sex between the bookshelves as Golden State cities are held hostage by criminals.
The Contra Costa County Library’s Antioch Branch that it made the decision to close beginning on Saturday until further notice as the “repeated dangerous incidents” have threatened the safety of its patrons.
“During the closure, the Library will be working to implement further security measures so we can reopen as soon as possible,” the library service said in a statement.
A library spokesperson told KTVU that this dire situation goes beyond typical bad library behavior like talking too loud, failing to return books on time or even vandalism and theft.
“We’ve also had drug activity and drug use both inside the library and on library property,” Brooke Converse, a Contra Costa County Library System representative, said.
“People having sexual intercourse inside the library or on property in full view of patrons and staff. We found bullet casings on library property.”
The Mayor of Antioch, a city of about 115,000 located 45 miles northeast of Oakland, opposed the library’s closure and said citizens were blindsided by the decision.
“No one in the City of Antioch, including the police chief, was informed of safety concerns by Contra Costa County regarding the library,” Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe said.
Library officials told the outlet that the branch is run by the county, who made the call.
Upgraded security measures planned to be installed include a second full-time security officer, repairing a vandalized fence, and upgrading security cameras.
“We apologize for the short notice and the inconvenience but the safety of our patrons and staff is a top priority,” the library branch said.
It’s not clear when it will reopen.
