Patrons say they feel safe at libraries after hours cut due to safety concerns

Library patrons in Saskatoon say they feel safe even as four libraries cut hours due to safety concerns.

The Carlyle King Library, Frances Morrison Central Library, the Mayfair Library, and the Dr. Freda Ahenakew Library will all be reducing their hours.

The new hours will be will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Hours on Sunday will remain the same with libraries open from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This decision was made after an altercation at the Carlyle King Library in the Cosmo Civic Centre saw a security guard and staff member physically assaulted by “intoxicated patrons.”

Yet despite these incidents, people who frequent the library still feel safe.

“I do,” said Jada Pfeifer.

“I feel safe here,” said Janice Szabo. “I don’t know if I would on the other side of the city.”

The hope is with the restriction in hours mean fewer incidents like the one that occurred at the Carlyle King Library. But those who use the library for its intended purpose feel cutting the hours is going to make it more difficult to access, especially for people who work full time.

“It’s unfortunate, because there are some times where we would like to be able to come in the evenings,” said Pfeifer. “It’s a little restrictive, but not too bad.”

Szabo said it’s really unfortunate that the libraries had to resort to cutting hours.

“That’s really sad that it has to come to that,” said Szabo. “It’s too bad that a few people make it bad for everybody.”