Dear Editor:
Thank you for your Sept. 18 article, “Libraries providing staff with safety training,” highlighting the issue of dealing with challenging patrons.
This problem is clearly not unique to Burnaby, and has been dealt with in creative ways in other libraries.
The San Franciso Public Library hired a licensed marriage and family therapist, who hired additional staff for the huge system, to provide resource counselling. Funding was provided by the library, department of health, and homeless outreach team.
Edmonton has hired a social worker, as have libraries in other systems. It is a creative way of helping people “where they’re at,” and it would be great if Burnaby could follow suit.
Shirley Cohn, MSW, RSW, by email
