THE Sunshine Coast Council has responded to “inappropriate behaviour” at Beerwah Library by employing a security guard.
The decision, made in February this year, followed an increase in poor behaviour from some of the community, over a few years.
“Over the past couple of years, we have seen an increase in inappropriate behaviour by some community members in libraries and in the spaces around libraries,” they said.
“This impacts library visitors and staff, and ranges from vandalism to verbal abuse, and sometimes other unlawful behaviours.”
From January 28 to April 27, crime figures show there were over 50 charges for property damage, assaults and arson across the 4518, 4519 and 4550 postcodes. That compares to 77 charges during the same period in 2022.
The spokesperson said welcome and safe spaces for the community was an essential priority.
“Libraries have conditions of entry which establish the expected behaviour of library members and manage what is essentially a public space, to ensure that these spaces are not only welcoming, but safe for our community and staff,” they said.
“While we continue to work with police to manage particularly unlawful behaviours, security will be employed.”