The Editor:
We have been reading the letters to the editor about open drug use outside the Library and the concerns for the library brought forward by your readers.
The opioid epidemic has touched us all, whether we have personally lost someone close to us, witnessed the horrifying effects of an overdose, or are reading the rising death toll statistics.
The overdose crisis is not unique to the library or the city and like most municipalities in B.C. we are grappling with how to manage public spaces.
The province recently decriminalized the possession and consumption of small amounts of certain drugs as one step towards resolving the toxic drug crisis.
The City of New Westminster is actively working with other municipalities, the health authority and the province to address issues related to the public consumption of drugs.
This may result in several strategies being utilized and may include changes to where Decriminalization is in effect.
The library is actively working with city bylaw and local organizations, such as The Purpose Society, Lookout, PACT (Peer Assisted Care Team), and the Fraser Health Authority to work with individuals to provide options for care and assistance.
Library staff are also working with these organizations, the city, and the police on the challenging behaviours outside the library that some of your readers are associating with open drug use.
One of our goals is to create inviting and safe spaces where everyone is welcome and we are heartbroken over the idea that people feel scared to visit the library.
We are escalating our efforts to deal with nuisance behaviour and ask for your patience as we continue to work with our community partners to make our outside spaces as welcoming, safe and enjoyable as possible, for everyone.
- Susan Buss, acting chief librarian, New Westminster Public Library
To contact the acting chief librarian, you can send an email to [email protected].
