Tuesday, February 27, 2024

NOT THAT MANY PUBLIC LIBRARIES HAVE ARMED GUARDS

By Bob Walsh

 

                                    Antioch District Library

                                                  Antioch Public Library


Antioch is a nice little bedroom community in the bay area.  It's library was closed down on February 17 due to "dangerous incidents."  It has now reopened.  With armed security.

The 8,000 square foot building is relatively nice and modern.  It is also located very close to Antioch Middle School and Antioch High School.  The rugrats use it as a hang-out spot to wait for their rides after school and from about 2:35 for 45 minutes or so you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a teenager.  

The "dangerous incidents" included thievery, drug use and fairly open sexual contact occurring in and near the library.  

The Antioch library is operated by Contra Costa County.  In the formerly great state of California counties are required by law to maintain public libraries, cities are not.  The two are often merged.  

Strangely enough the Antioch P D denies having ever been made aware of any safety concerns at the library.

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