Break-in at the Library

It is with much sadness and regret that today I must report on the mis-deeds of person or persons unknown. Sometime during the night of Friday, November 19 or early morning Saturday, November 20, the library was broken into. A quantity of cash was stolen, including the donation box that sat on the circulation desk and the door from the main library to the staff room was damaged when the thief(s) chiseled out the lock.

It is believed that the perp(s) unlocked a side window sometime while the library was opened and entered through it. The goal was money, but the library’s blue ray player was also found missing. Oddly, though, the blue ray player was later discovered sitting on top of the magazine shelf next to the emergency exit that the thief(s) left through. I guess climbing back out the window was too much work!

The break in was discovered by a library employee, who had come in to do some printing before the library opened. Upon finding the staff room door splintered and the lock gone, the employee called the Chief Librarian, who, after telling the employee not to touch anything, rushed to the scene of the crime.

The RCMP were notified and responded to the report shortly before noon on Saturday. The investigating constable photographed the scene and took several items to finger print in hopes of catching the culprit(s). Ident declined to come to the library, stating that if they were to find any prints it would be on the items taken into evidence. The discovery of the blue ray player was duly reported to the police as well. It sits, still, on the shelf, waiting to become evidence in the crime some five hours after the call was made to the RCMP.

The extent of the outfall from this burglary is yet to be determined. Staff members are left feeling violated and suspicious. There is a pall over the library that hasn’t been there before. Programs have had to be cancelled. The NID Matinee cannot go on without the blue ray player and telling the kids who look forward to the free movie and popcorn is going to be hard for the staff. The Canfor Room cannot be rented out to groups until the staff room can be secured again.

This hurtful betrayal of trust will, I’m sure, have long-term effects. It is unlikely that the criminal(s) will ever be caught, much less made to make restitution for the loss and the damage that was caused.

What makes someone do such a thing? A library is supposed to be a safe place. The staff work hard to make patrons feel welcome and to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for any and all who walk through the door. To be repaid in such a manner is heartbreaking.

But there is still so much to be thankful for and appreciated and the staff have not lost sight of the good things their jobs entail. The smile on children’s faces when they find the perfect book to read or DVD to watch. The kindness and gratitude of the patrons. The joy of expressing themselves creatively through programs and displays. The satisfaction of helping people find great books or sound information. Library work is fun, challenging and interesting. There is always something new to learn and exciting to share.

In spite of this unpleasant incident, HPL is forging ahead with great programs and services for everyone. It remains a Community Place!