Calls for increased security at Saint John libraries after rise in violent incidents

Libraries in Saint John are seeking more funding for security following a recent rise in violence.

Whether it be the west, east, or the central branch, the Saint John Free Public Library welcomes all into what is supposed to be safe space.

In 2025, the city’s public library system saw a rise in violent incidents at all three locations. That trend has continued into the early months of 2026, which has resulted in Saint John Free Public Library Board of Trustee chair Johanne McInnis to send city council a letter highlighting the need to urgently address the concerns with increased security funding.

“We had 179 incidents just in the last year,” McInnis says. “Forty four of which really required outside help instead of what we had available at the main branch.”

The letter describes the reported incidents at its main branch, which is located uptown in Market Square, as meeting the Government of New Brunswick’s definition of “intolerable.” Incidents described in the letter range from the presence of weapons, claims of both sexual and physical harassment, and other actions that go against Canada’s criminal code.

Many of these incidents have been directed at staff, who the letter points out are not trained security professionals which leaves many feeling insecure and personally affected.

“Library management does their best to do briefings every month and do safety talks,” McInnis says. “We have put things in place to try and protect staff, but obviously our staff is not trained in mental health or our staff is not trained in how to de-escalate these types of behaviors sometimes.”

The central branch uptown does have commissionaires to help on site, but they are limited in their abilities and are no longer enough to help with the rising trend, the letter reads.

While the main branch has seen the bulk of problems, the east and west side locations have also been impacted.

“Earlier this month, an extremely violent incident at the East Branch resulted in the destruction of library assets, terrified staff who were too shaken to continue to work, and ultimately the decision to temporarily close the branch,” details a section of the letter, with McInnis telling CTV News Wednesday the branch has since reopened.

McInnis, as well as Saint John city councilor Gerry Lowe said the incidents being seen are not limited to one group of people.

Lowe supports the idea of more security at the libraires to ensure they continue to be a safe and welcoming space for all, but it comes down to who will pay for it.

The city currently pays for the services of a commissionaire at its central branch, despite the fact the libraries themselves are provincial assets.

“Are we supposed to pay them? I’m not sure, and the city’s not sure now that this has come up,” says Lowe. “It’s got to be done sooner than later because the problem is, as long as it’s cold out, people are going to head into the libraries.”

The letter was briefly discussed at council earlier this week, with members voting to refer to the letter to the city’s CAO for more of an investigation into the matter.

McInnis points out while the rise in incidents is a concern, she assures the public the branches are still a safe space for anyone looking to spend some time at the library.

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