After temporary closures, what's next as two Saskatoon libraries reopen?

Additional security measures are being implemented at two Saskatoon libraries after they were temporarily closed due to an overwhelming number of violent incidents and overdoses. The Frances Morrison Central branch in downtown Saskatoon and Dr. Freda Ahenakew branch on Avenue K South closed their doors on March 22, and are set to reopen for hold pickups on Monday.

Both branches are scheduled to reopen for full operation on April 21. STAFF FEELING STRAINED Saskatoon Public Library CEO Carol Shepstone says there have been physical changes to the libraries such as improved sight lines, additional security cameras and security mirrors, but also changes in protocol, like how staff monitor washrooms, and having security staff at building entrances. Steps have also been taken on the outside of the buildings to deter loitering, she added.



She noted that organizations addressing the city’s most vulnerable population have been at their limits. Saskatoon is facing an overdose crisis in 2025, with more than 300 recorded within a two-week period. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has stepped in to help address the crisis by activating a Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, and supplying naloxone to first responders.

“We know that whole system, including first responders, were really feeling strained,” Shepstone said in an interview. More and more people were coming through the library doors as they had nowhere else to go, she said. The latest point-in-time homelessness count, done in October, found 1,499 people in the city didn’t have permanent shelter — almost three times the number found two years ago.

STAFF HIT, SPIT ON, RESPOND TO OVERDOSES In March, CUPE 2669 representative Cara Stelmaschuk said library staff were dealing with people bringing weapons like shovels and hockey sticks into the library. They also had to address drug deals happening in the middle of the buildings. “They’ve been hit, they’ve been spit on, they’ve been assaulted, they’ve seen other patrons assaulted,” Stelmaschuk said.

SPL employees responded to at least 48 overdoses or drug poisonings so far in 2025 which is almost double what was reported in 2024 during that same time period. This wasn’t the first time SPL has had to make changes due to challenges within the community. Reduced hours at four locations were announced last spring, due to a lack of available community support services and an increase in the need for those supports.

Shepstone said they are making changes in areas within their control, adding that having security staff at the door can help prevent people who may already be intoxicated from entering the libraries. ‘WE WERE NOT EQUIPPED’ She said signage will let people know what the expectation is when they enter the library, and that there will be a consistent application and follow-through of those rules. “I think what happened was we just had such a rapid increase of challenging behaviour that we could not keep up,” Shepstone said.

“We were not equipped.” It was a difficult decision to reduce hours or pause operations, Shepstone said, but staff and officials have been working hard to implement the changes. Shepstone said most of the measures will be in place for full reopening later this month, but that some other measures may take time to establish.

For certain, though, “all of the security pieces should be in place on (April) 21.” Related'Like a broken record': Saskatoon continues to battle drug crisis'My jaw hits the floor': Amidst drug crisis and violence, two Saskatoon libraries temporarily closedTank: Province blasted for 'fantastically' failing Saskatoon on homelessness The Saskatoon Star Phoenix has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.

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