A shooting occurred a few days ago in New Mexico at the Clovis-Carver City Library. Our hearts go out to the victims, both of whom were library staff, and we stand together as we endure the news of another gun related tragedy.
It seems more and more of these types of threats are entering libraries across the United States. What can you do to prevent guns and gun violence within our dedicated public spaces that are our community centers, open and welcoming to all? How can we keep our patrons safe? How do we keep ourselves safe?
After the Orlando Pulse shooting in 2016, ALA released the Resolution on Gun Violence Affecting Libraries, Library Workers, And Library Patrons which was amended at ALA Midwinter 2017 in Atlanta. It is recommended that the ALA community encourages libraries to collaborate with appropriate local agencies to provide training and education for library workers related to the presence of guns in the workplace.
Please join us for a free LYRASIS session on gun violence and how to manage should an unfortunate crisis occur in your community. We’ll hear from Gregg Dodd , the Director of Marketing, from the Columbus Metropolitan Public Library which also recently had a shooter within the stacks. Hear how this library and community bounced back, what measures they now have in place to ensure a safer environment and what you can do today to prepare your library and community.