Securitizing the Last Public Bastion: Safety in Public Libraries in Mid-Sized Ontario Municipalities

Concerns about safety and security are increasing in cities across Canada. This is especially true for libraries, as they represent some of the last public, civic, and impartial spaces in our communities. However, public libraries are often ignored in conversations about community safety and security. With mandates to promote free and equitable access, this inclusiveness brings its own challenges.

This research collaborates with three libraries in Ontario -- Brantford Public Library, Barrie Public Library, and Thunder Bay Public Library to address the challenges and issues faced by mid-sized public libraries in Canada particularly in the context of increasing social problems such as the opioid epidemic, mental health crisis, lack of affordable housing, and changing perceptions of public safety.

Focused on safety, security and inclusion, this collaborative project will investigate the current challenges libraries face and explore opportunities for community and capacity building within these spaces. This research is funded by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Insight.