This school year, our afterschool patrons have been much more disruptive than in years past. As the end of the school year approaches, the disruptive behavior seems to be increasing. My staff and I do work to enforce our behavior policy and follow the disciplinary steps, but it continues to be a struggle.

 

Are there any other libraries out there (we are a Class III library) that employ a security guard during targeted times to help monitor patron behavior and enforce library policies? If so, do you use a security company, or have you hired someone such as a retired police officer? Has it helped?

 

For libraries that experience issues during after school hours but do not employ a security guard, what solutions have you found to prevent or reduce disruptive behavior? We do try to be welcoming rather than confrontational, and we offer programming during afterschool hours, but we are still facing challenges.