Our Area Manager, Melissa Little, recently submitted this letter to the editor of the Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle. Please read for more information about NCW Libraries commitment to staff and patron safety in all of our locations, including the Omak Public Library.
Dear Editor,
I have been disheartened to see misinformation circulating online about safety at the Omak Public Library. I feel compelled to respond and share our staff’s deep commitment to providing safe, welcoming spaces for everyone in our community.
Libraries are vital places for children and families to learn, connect, and grow. They also offer support and opportunity for community members who are experiencing homelessness or who may lack access to critical resources needed to improve their lives. By serving everyone – safely and with dignity – public libraries are uniquely positioned to strengthen the entire community, helping all individuals grow, contribute, and thrive.
I recognize the profound and growing impact of the opioid epidemic, the mental health crisis, and homelessness in our community. We see this impact in and around the library. To protect both staff and library visitors, we follow several important safety procedures each day.
When we arrive at work in the morning, we walk around the exterior of the building. We address loitering, pick up garbage, and keep an eye out for concerning behavior in the park. When we see damage or graffiti on the building, we notify the city. When we see unsafe behavior, we notify law enforcement. We continue these walks throughout the day. Our library bathrooms are locked, requiring patrons to get an access code from staff. We have thoughtfully arranged library shelving and furniture to maintain clear visibility throughout the space.
Our staff does not tolerate disruptive, disrespectful, or unsafe behavior in the library. All visitors to NCW Libraries’ 30 library locations, including the Omak Library, are required to follow the NCW Libraries Code of Conduct. This policy outlines clear standards for respectful and safe behavior. Violations of the policy can result in short term or permanent trespass from the library. We diligently and consistently enforce the Code of Conduct. We have issued 2 permanent trespass notices since the beginning of the year and 18 temporary trespass notices.
We participate in regular safety training covering topics such as maintaining boundaries, de-escalation, mental health first aid, and best practices for engaging law enforcement. NCW Libraries has installed security cameras on the interior and exterior of the Omak Library in strategic areas to deter loitering and support law enforcement efforts. While drug overdoses sometimes occur in more urban libraries, we are grateful to report that we have had no drug overdoses in the Omak Library. If that were to happen in the future, our staff has the necessary training and connections with law enforcement and local agencies to respond quickly and appropriately.
Partnerships with the Omak Police Department, Team O.N.E, and the CORE Outreach Specialist have been essential to creating a comprehensive approach to safety at the Omak Library. Team O.N.E. is the City of Omak’s volunteer program that supports the public safety mission of the Omak Police Department. CORE’s Outreach Specialist responds with law enforcement to behavior and social crises, connecting individuals with appropriate community resources. We are deeply grateful for these partners.
Omak Library staff, including myself, live and work in Omak. We are personally invested in improving public health and safety, not only in the library but in the broader community. I am a member of the volunteer Omak Park Board, which works to make all our outdoor spaces welcoming, safe, and secure. I also serve on a team working with the University of Washington to promote youth mental health and prevent substance abuse. Library staff attend city council meetings. Just last week, we met with Family Health Centers, Manfisher Ministries, the Mayor, the City Manager, Team O.N.E., and the Omak Police Chief to discuss how we can work together to make the park safer. In addition to city personnel, we are working to build strong, collaborative partnerships with Advance NW, Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare, WorkSource, Okanogan County Community Action Council, and local businesses. We believe that lasting solutions will only come through united, community-wide effort.
We are always eager to talk with folks about library services, resources, and safety measures. We invite the community to stop by, call 509-826-1820, or email omak@ncwlibraries.org. Anyone interested in connecting with NCW Libraries leadership is welcome to call 509-663-1117 or email info@ncwlibraries.org. Additionally, monthly NCW Libraries board meetings are open to the public. Community members are welcome to attend as well as submit public comment.
We invite everyone in the community to visit the Omak Library. We offer a variety of weekly programs for all ages and interests. From Lego Club, STEAM Fridays, and Baby & Toddler Storytime to the Omak Writing Group and Book Clubs there is something for everyone. Learn more on our library calendar, www.ncwlibraries.org/omak/ or by following us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/omaklibrary/.
Atentamente,
Melissa Little, Area Manager, NCW Libraries
MORE INFORMATION
NCW Libraries Code of Conduct
www.ncwlibraries.org/omaklibrary/
www.facebook.com/omaklibrary/
www.ncwlibraries.org
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