A sexual assault occurred within the walls of the Memphis Public Library on Monday, shaking the foundational sense of security many residents associate with such communal spaces. Kevin Standberry, 35, was charged with Sexual Battery and Attempted Rape for allegedly assaulting a woman in the facility's bathroom. According to WREG, the victim was followed by Standberry into the bathroom at 33 South Front Street where the incident took place.
Standberry is now behind bars, held on a $100,000 bond, facing serious charges. Memphis Public Libraries are taking immediate steps to reinforce their security measures. The library's Director, Keenon McCloy, shared with Action News 5 their approach: "We are grateful for the response of the security officer who detained the suspect and the Memphis Police Department for their quick action. Memphis Public Libraries currently utilizes security guards at all of our branches and have a plan to enhance security at all locations. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for customers."
The alarming incident prompted the library to speed up the implementation of enhanced security measures, which will affect all public library locations. The presence of security personnel, which until recently was not consistently noticeable, became more evident. "Tuesday was the first time she saw a security guard at the library in the last couple weeks" said Pharah Brooks, according to her statement to Action News 5.
The Memphis Police Department's records suggest an uptick in library-related incidents, reporting a motor vehicle theft, a drunkenness call, a simple assault, a mental consumer call, multiple medical calls for possible overdoses, and now the attempted rape since the beginning of the year. Standberry awaits a court hearing set Today.
