The current entrance to the Ballarat library will be moved to the Civic Hall car-park side as part of a series of renovations and changes designed to make the building more accessible and safe for patrons and staff.
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City of Ballarat executive manager of learning and community hubs Jenny Fink says the existing arrangement of two desks will also be altered to create a single access point for those using the library, as well as providing more safety for staff if they need to exit.
The current doors opening onto Creswick Road provide an unsuitable access point into the library, as well as introducing draughts and car fumes into the building.
Ms Fink says there will be increased use of CCTV around the building in order to increase camera coverage, as well as better lighting.
Access to some rooms within the libraries will also be restricted so that staff cannot be caught in entrapment areas.
Ms Fink said that while there had been nine incidents reported to police over the past 12 months, the libraries are overarchingly safe spaces for the community, and for staff.
“We’ve set up a safety committee; we’ve responded straight away to these issues. The committee is working on aspects of designs of the library, so we’ve got better lines of sight through the building,” said Ms Fink.
“Our staff’s safety is paramount.
“There’s been a lot of work on duress alarms, and staff will soon be wearing portable duress alarms.”
“A library is the last place where you’d think there would be conflict and aggression, but is also often a place people come to because they’ve been made unwelcome in other places.”
CEO Justine Linley said security guards were not being considered for the libraries.
