Article Review: Working in an Unsafe Consumption Site: A Library Perspective.

Submitted for News by: Ashleigh Suter

When I went to the 2025 CUPE National Convention, I received a copy of Counterpoint, CUPE’s magazine. In it I found a very interesting article titled “Working in an unsafe consumption site: A library perspective“. As I read, I found the article echoing exactly what myself, and other LPL library workers are facing in many of our own locations. I felt it was both surprising and encouraging to know we are not alone in dealing with these issues. The more widespread a problem, the more likely we are to work together to find a solution. Please read and reflect for yourself on how these societal and policy changes affect our own libraries. If you are interested in joining the conversation, the link to LW4SCS on Instagram is provided at the end of the article.

Excerpts:

“But what fewer people realize is how deeply social and medical crises in Canada affect public libraries. With fewer public spaces that are truly open to the public, our libraries are becoming the only refuge left for many of our most vulnerable neighbours.“

“In recent years, as governments of all levels failed again and again to address the overlapping addiction, mental health and housing crises, library staff are left to contend with rising numbers of drug poisonings, disruptive patrons, and violent incidents.“

Thanks for reading!

ARTICLE LINK: