Austin Public Library's 2023 incident report recorded 4,261 total incidents among the 21 branch locations. As of August 2024, there were 2,971 reported incidents. Incidents are categorized into the following violations: harassment or abuse, vandalize or damage to property, profane or vulgar language, sleeping or violating internet policy.
"APL is welcoming to all walks of life. Sometimes we run into issues where we have behavioral problems. So we use our three-step process to address those issues," said Austin Public Library facilities service manager St. John Requejo.
That three-step process is to 'inform, warn, ask,' said branch security supervisor Lloyd Black. First, a person is informed of the Austin Public Library policy they are violating. Step two is to explain that if the behavior continues, they will be asked to leave for the day.
"But we also want to welcome them back the next day if they correct their behavior," Black said. Library staff members are limited as to steps they can take to de-escalate incidents and have a hands-off security policy.
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