Exploring an Abolitionist Framework for Safety in Public Libraries

In the past year, there have been increased calls for public libraries to divest from the police. However, there is currently a lack of literature on the kinds of training and support public library workers will need in order to remain confident in their safety without relying on the police. This paper seeks to fill that gap and answer the following research questions: How do self-identifying abolitionist library staff working in public libraries identify and address harmful patron behaviors? What anti-carceral skills and tools do they use or need? What barriers do they face to successful interventions? These questions were explored through interviews with 7 public library workers who identified as abolitionist and had experience interacting with patrons. Four barriers (the library’s institutional oppression, policies, use of 911, and police presence) and four skills and tools (relationship building, building capacity, addressing the causes of harm, and collaboration) were identified.Master of Science in Library Scienc