In a quiet challenge to what they claim is an overbearing security measure, San Antonio activists hosted a "Read-In" at the Central Library, sitting among the stacks with books in hand and protest signs at their side. The move comes as a response to a contentious pilot program which places armed police officers in the library, as reported by FOX San Antonio.
Protesting under the banner of inclusivity, activists from ACT 4 SA have voiced concerns about the chilling effect an armed police presence could have on various community groups, particularly Black, Latine, Queer, and homeless individuals. "We are hosting a Read-In to protest the library weaponizing the police to intimidate patrons and create an environment of fear, especially for Black, Latine, Queer, Immigrant & Houseless communities," Jade Pacheco of Act 4 SA told FOX San Antonio.
Library officials have framed the issue as a matter of staff safety, citing a spike in assaults as the impetus behind the program. Eighteen assaults over the past year, against security staff, other patrons and library employees, has driven the decision to increase police presence for protection. "We have seen a trend in the assaults toward library staff increasing," said Haley Holmes, Public Services Administrator for Central Library, in a statement made to FOX San Antonio.
Despite the heightened security, officials are looking into alternatives, including staff de-escalation training, and even added social workers. Holmes acknowledged the need for a balanced approach, “We are a public library. There aren’t many places where you can go sit and stay and be there all day for free, so I think that we just see a diversity pf people in our library,” she mentioned in an interview with FOX San Antonio.
As the pilot program nears its mid-May evaluation, opponents argue that the qualitative impact on the community shouldn't be overlooked for a mere sense of security. "We're going to keep fighting against this program and advocate for alternatives that would better address community needs," Pacheco said, according to Hoodline. The clash between safety and accessibility continues to fuel debate within the San Antonio community.
