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Crimes at Chicago Public Libraries…
Crimes at Chicago Public Libraries
CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago Public Libraries welcome millions of visitors every year. But some library workers fear there’s not enough being done to keep those visitors and staffers safe.
“Every day is not an emergency at the library,” said Adrienne Seely, a Chicago librarian. “But we always have to be ready to potentially be one.”
Chicago Police data, reviewed by WGN Investigates, shows there were 126 reported crimes at libraries citywide in 2021, including theft, sex offenses and battery.
Last year, that total number had more than doubled to 342.
About 40 percent of the reported crimes involved theft. Another 20 percent included sexual offenses, assault and battery, the data showed.
“I think we’ll see that increase [this year],” said Christopher Crotwell, a Chicago librarian. “I don’t think there’s a way we don’t see that increase.”
In response, the union that represents the city’s librarians has asked for increased safety measures, such as panic buttons and more surveillance cameras.
In a statement, a library spokesman said many of those measures are already in place.
“More than half of [Chicago Public Libraries] are already equipped with cameras and panic buttons, with a multi-year plan underway to ensure every location has these tools in place,” the spokesman said. (The full statement is below)
Alexi Giannoulias is Illinois’ Secretary of State. He is backing legislation that he says would help improve safety at libraries in Chicago and throughout the state, by allowing grant money to be used to for extra safety measures, such as cameras.
“[The bill] doesn’t cost taxpayers anything,” he said. “It just allows us to take the library grants and use them for security measures.”
The bill still needs to pass the Illinois General Assembly.
Library statement:
“Like many large, urban library systems, we face complex safety challenges—and at CPL, we meet them with urgency, care, and a deep commitment to our mission. Our staff are on the frontlines every day, and their experiences shape the way we respond.
In the past year, CPL has taken clear, proactive steps to improve safety across our 81 libraries. In addition to assigned security coverage at each library, we’ve expanded trauma-informed training, upgraded infrastructure, and launched a new CPL Safety Task Force developed in partnership with AFSCME, NAMI Chicago—a leading mental health organization—and staff from libraries across the city.
More than half of CPL libraries are already equipped with cameras and panic buttons, with a multi-year plan underway to ensure every location has these tools in place. Public-facing staff are completing over 10 hours of mental health and de-escalation training, and staff-led working groups are helping to guide improvements to our internal safety protocols.
This work aligns with broader City efforts to advance community safety and wellness and reflects ongoing collaboration across departments and community partners.
Our goal remains clear: every CPL library must be a place where staff feel supported, families feel safe, and all Chicagoans can learn, connect, and thrive.”
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