Staff threatened with violence and feel unsafe

The staff of the City Library in downtown Reykjavik are experiencing fear because of people coming into the library, often in an intoxicated state. The staff have been threatened with violence and they have had to call the police and even the Special Unit to overcome an armed individual in the library.

What makes the staff upset is, what they consider to be, lack of interest on the behalf of their superiors at work. They had asked for a security guard to be present at all times in the library and that request was not met. They say that previous examples of armed individuals coming to the library show that they are in danger, because violent acts can happen fast.

Barbara Guðnadóttir, the library manager says that this issue is a hard one. At the same time as the library is open for all, these unfortunate instances have happened.

A security button is not enough

An employee who spoke to mbl.is believes that a security button is not a sufficient response as violent acts can happen fast. In addition, it is a difficult situation for those who are not educated or experienced in dealing with such situations to assess when there is a need to call the police and when there is no need to call the police.

Similarly, on a regular basis, people who have exhibited threatening behavior in the past are uncomfortable with the person’s visits, even if the person does not display intimidating gestures in all the visits.

A worker says that individuals need to be dealt with every week, but threatening behavior is less frequent. The last time police was required was July 1 for a man who is said to have behaved in a threatening manner. A special police unit has also been called because of a man who was carrying a knife.

Don’t have anywhere to go

Guðnadóttir says the issue is a bit complicated because the library should be open to everyone, but at the same time, the safety of staff and visitors is important. “It’s a downtown museum and we’re getting in people who have no other place to go.”

She says that most people respect house rules. “From time to time, something happens that is uncomfortable for employees and visitors. We want the library to be a safe place, of course, and we call the police if there are serious incidents.”

But aren't staff dealing with the situation up to that point?

"Yes, but if the situation is unusual and there is a threat, we call the police and have security buttons," she says.

Is there a need to employ a security guard?

"We've talked about it, but I don't know if it would be a solution, but possibly."

Trying to find a solution

Have you talked to the city authorities about this?

"I think the city authorities are absolutely looking into this. They are trying to find a solution. We hope it works out as soon as possible, but we'll do our best until then," says Guðnadóttir.

What about the increasing arsenal of weapons? Does that not make the issue of security more pressing?

“In a perfect world, you would have people who have the right background at the right time in the right place. But these serious events do not happen very often, and you never know when they will happen. It is difficult because opening hours are long and we want people to be able to come. The library is a great place for everyone. It doesn’t change the fact that we want everyone to feel safe. People bring their children and it’s something we’re always thinking about and exploring.”