Ottawa Public Library sees increase in reported incidents in 2024

Ottawa Public Library staff had to deal with its fair share of reported incidents last year.

In 2024, the city’s libraries saw an increase in reported incidents, with the two downtown branches topping the list, according to data released by OPL. There were 694 incidents in 2024, up 91 per cent from 363 in 2022.

The Rideau and Main branches had the most incidents, together accounting for 54 per cent of the total.

Reported incidents continued to roll in this year. As of late September, there were 576 reports, with the same two branches accounting for 38 per cent of the total incidents.

“While OPL has seen an increase in reported public incidents over the last few years, these incidents still represent less than 1 per cent of all interactions,” said OPL spokesperson Nadine Bernard in an emailed statement.

OPL didn’t explain what kinds of incidents were reported in 2024, but a 2023 Ottawa Public Library Board report found such occurrences at libraries tended to vary from “causing a disturbance” and “trespassing” to “drug and alcohol use.”

The number of reported incidents in 2024 was an increase from pre-pandemic levels of 2018 when security was initially introduced to the downtown branches.

The Rideau and Main branches saw boosts to security in 2023, while other high incident locations, such as North Gloucester, were approved to start hiring them.

The anticipated Ādisōke branch, presumed to open in 2027, has outlined spaces for outreach offices, community services and organizations to help make Ottawa a “safer, healthier city,” according to its website.

“OPL continues to take proactive steps to support employee and client safety while maintaining our commitment to being an open, inclusive, and welcoming public space for everyone,” Bernard said.

Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed.

Related