The report describes a range of violent or aggressive patron behavior toward library workers, including racist and sexist verbal abuse, harassment, physical assault including having guns and other weapons brandished, and drug and alcohol issues including overdoses. In addition, library workers reported significant instances of “secondary trauma” from constant interactions with community members (including children) struggling with poverty, homelessness, mental illness, or drug abuse.
Overall, some 68.5% of survey respondents said they have experienced violent or aggressive behavior from patrons at their libraries. Furthermore, a significant number of respondents (22%) said they have experienced violent or aggressive behavior from their co-workers…
