Sonoma County Grand Jury
• 2007-2008
Santa Rosa Central Library at Risk The Santa Rosa Central Library has experienced a growing problem with the homeless
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F8, F10, F11
Findings and Recommendations 9 findings
F1
The homeless are the principal cause of F8 There has been a noticeable increase in disruption of normal library operations and complaints from the public and recorded thereby impact the appropriate and productive incidents requiring police intervention. use of the library by the general public.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Modify the Standards of Behavior to include strict, unequivocal consequences for disruptive behavior.
F2
The homeless are utilizing the library as a easy observation of objectionable material by shelter during daytime hours, since there is no patrons passing through the library main aisle. daytime drop-in shelter available in the Santa Rosa shelter system. F10 The addition of a security guard (September 2007) has had a positive impact on relations
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Incorporate no-loitering provisions into the Standards of Behavior and provide library staff and security with the necessary support and training to enforce these rules.
F3
The homeless often bring in bundles, bedrolls, with the homeless community. bags of recyclables and possessions, all items that are difficult for library staff to control. F11 Outreach and coordination with key shelter management and county mental health
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Enforce a smoke-free zone on all properties surrounding the library facilities.
F4
Smoking and large gatherings at the library personnel has been effective in mitigating entrance are intimidating for many patrons and many potential problems. can discourage access.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Modify and strictly enforce current standards to prohibit any patron from bringing into the Library bed rolls, bundles, and containers other than reasonably sized backpacks.
F5
The Library Standards of Behavior, adopted in in identifying and handling individuals September 2007 are less specific and direct with mental health problems or potential for than the earlier Code of Conduct established in violent behavior. 1997, relative to the consequences and action for non-compliance. F13 Library volume and usage have remained relatively unchanged in the past two years
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Prohibit cell phone use within the confines of the library. Recommendations, continued
F6
Those in violation of the Standards of Behavior, despite the population increase. even after repetitive incidents, are rarely denied long-term use of the library. F14 The daytime shelter and outreach programs organized by the Committee for The
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Rearrange and monitor computer access to limit unintended viewing and exposure to inappropriate material.
F7
There has been a general relaxation towards Shelterless (COTS) in Petaluma have been the enforcement of the Standards of successful in minimizing inappropriate use Behavior: Restrictions on food and beverages, of the library in that city. smoking, computer and cell phone use, and loitering. F15 All shelter management professionals strongly recommended to consistently enforce rigid standards of behavior as well as consequences for noncompliance. Conclusions There is a growing dissatisfaction among the general public regarding the changing environment at the Central Library facilities in Santa Rosa. The increasing presence and inappropriate behavior of homeless and transitional people are jeopardizing the traditionally safe, secure, and welcoming surroundings that are typical of this highly-valued institution. Library staff is called upon to spend an inordinate amount of time away from their normal duties to address behavioral problems. These issues often involve dealing with individuals who are substance abusers or mentally handicapped for which staff often have only limited training and experience. Although assistance is available from County Mental Health Division and shelter management personnel and library security, these incidents can escalate rapidly and necessitate police intervention. Issue of a revised Library Code of Conduct in September 2007 has not given the library staff and security the necessary tools to cope with a rising level of code violations. A “three strikes” approach needs to be taken to send a clear message that strict measures will be applied to preserve acceptable conditions for all patrons. Additionally, library staff must be ensured of a working environment free of intimidation and threat of verbal abuse and physical violence. In spite of the addition of library security and coordination with the mental health and shelter community, it is anticipated that the library environment will continue to be negatively impacted if an adequate daytime shelter is not provided within the general support area of Santa Rosa. Public support will be crucial in order to maintain a healthy library system that is capable of expanding to meet population and advanced technology. To achieve this, it is paramount that the library system continue to offer an experience worthy of the library staff commitment and dedication. Commendations The dedication and commitment of the library staff has The library environment been exemplary in spite of sometimes difficult situations will continue to be demanding their attention and intervention. negatively impacted if an The security guard at the Central Library has dealt with adequate daytime shelter disruptive individuals in a calm, respectful, and efficient is not provided within the way. His presence brought some reassurance for the patrons and staff. general support area of Santa Rosa. The shelter management and mental health crisis intervention personnel have made major commitments in spite of their limited staff and demanding schedules.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Make the Standards of Behavior more visible and proactively introduce it to all new arrivals in the library.
F9
Current locations of computer stations allow
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
Coordinate with the Santa Rosa Police Department to schedule random but regular visits inside the library.
F12
There has been minimal training of library staff
No recommendations for this finding
Additional Recommendations 3
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R8Sonoma County Mental Health Division and shelter management personnel should expand their commitment to training and on-site intervention.
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R10The Library Commission, City of Santa Rosa, and the Community Development Commission should coordinate a task force to investigate the feasibility of alternative daytime venues for the homeless community.
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R11The Library Commission should take the “pulse of the public” by producing an annual report summarizing citizen complaints and action taken by the library. Required Responses to Recommendations Library Commission RI, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11 Sonoma County Library Director R6, R7, R8, R9, City of Santa Rosa R3, R9, R10 Sonoma County Mental Health Services Director R8 Sonoma County Housing Authority, Community Development Commission R8, R10 Sonoma County Board of Supervisors R10 24
Conclusions 1
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CL1 Page 3There is a growing dissatisfaction among the general public regarding the changing environment at the Central Library facilities in Santa Rosa. The increasing presence and inappropriate behavior of homeless and transitional people are jeopardizing the traditionally safe, secure, and welcoming surroundings that are typical of this highly-valued institution. Library staff is called upon to spend an inordinate amount of time away from their normal duties to address behavioral problems. These issues often involve dealing with individuals who are substance abusers or mentally handicapped for which staff often have only limited training and experience. Although assistance is available from County Mental Health Division and shelter management personnel and library security, these incidents can escalate rapidly and necessitate police intervention. Issue of a revised Library Code of Conduct in September 2007 has not given the library staff and security the necessary tools to cope with a rising level of code violations. A “three strikes” approach needs to be taken to send a clear message that strict measures will be applied to preserve acceptable conditions for all patrons. Additionally, library staff must be ensured of a working environment free of intimidation and threat of verbal abuse and physical violence. In spite of the addition of library security and coordination with the mental health and shelter community, it is anticipated that the library environment will continue to be negatively impacted if an adequate daytime shelter is not provided within the general support area of Santa Rosa. Public support will be crucial in order to maintain a healthy library system that is capable of expanding to meet population and advanced technology. To achieve this, it is paramount that the library system continue to offer an experience worthy of the library staff commitment and dedication.
Commendations 1
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CM1 Page 3The dedication and commitment of the library staff has The library environment been exemplary in spite of sometimes difficult situations will continue to be demanding their attention and intervention. negatively impacted if an The security guard at the Central Library has dealt with adequate daytime shelter disruptive individuals in a calm, respectful, and efficient is not provided within the way. His presence brought some reassurance for the patrons and staff. general support area of Santa Rosa. The shelter management and mental health crisis intervention personnel have made major commitments in spite of their limited staff and demanding schedules.
No Responses Found 4
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
County of Sonoma
Agency
Santa Rosa
City
Sonoma County
County
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office