News from Winnipeg: Millennium Library incident report released

The Millennium Library has seen an increase in both the number of visitors and the number of incidents responded to since security was increased last year.

According to a report in the Community Services Committee agenda, the Millennium Library reported 445,210 visitors between October 2023 and September 2024, an increase of 14.3 percent compared to the same period of 2022 to 2023.

The library closed on December 12, 2022 and reopened on January 23, 2023 after a murder in the branch. Visitors must now pass through a metal detector when entering the library.

“The library continues to work to rebuild patron confidence with enhanced library security measures,” the report said. “The metal detection gate in the entrance to the Millennium Library will remain in place. Having CSHs (Community Safety Hosts) and more contracted security guards on site improves actual and perceived safety outcomes.”

The number of incidents at the Millennium Library has also increased. 803 incidents were reported between October 2023 and September 2024, compared to 627 between October 2022 and September 2023.

The majority of reported incidents involved inappropriate behavior; 309 were reported. Inappropriate behavior includes yelling, cursing, cursing, throwing objects, smoking in washrooms and loud arguments.

The library also reported 34 assaults, 43 incidents of verbal abuse and 54 reports of someone being drunk on the premises.

The report will be discussed at the committee meeting on November 28.