With disruptive behavior on the rise at some Montgomery County libraries, some officials say they might start throwing the book at youthful violators.
At least 43 “disruptive” incidents were reported by library staffs across Montgomery’s 22 branches through August this year, according to a county report. Those incidents, which county officials say are largely the result of youthful violators, include disorderly conduct, verbal abuse, fighting and sexual misconduct. No serious injuries have been reported, county spokesman Neil Greenberger said.
At least 19 complaints have originated from Silver Spring’s Long Branch Library, the report said. The county pays a police officer to provide security at the branch three afternoons a week. It is the only branch with scheduled police presence, Library Director Parker Hamilton said.
Now, some County Council members and Hamilton say they want parents to know when their child runs afoul of library policy.
“It’s difficult for librarians to be the ultimate cop on behavior,” said Council Member Roger Berliner, who leads the library committee.
County attorneys are studying the issue, Berliner said. Officials keep track of the disruptive-behavior orders issued, but they are not shared with parents, he said.
Punishment for violations can lead to suspensions from county libraries or use of their Internet services, depending on the type of misconduct, the report said.
Hamilton also attributed the high number of complaints at Long Branch to a training session there that had helped staff better spot disruptive behavior. She said such training could occur at other libraries.
Police presence has also helped, she said.
“What we wanted to put in place was the ability of our staff to do their jobs,” Hamilton said.
Berliner said the council will determine whether better policing is needed or whether revamped programs at some libraries to better engage youth would deter the disruptions.
