Silent Protests at Central Library: Activists Challenge Proposed Police Presence Amid Safety Concerns
At the Central Library, a place revered for the power of words, activists gathered quietly on a recent Saturday. They sat reading, with messages pinned to their backs, making a silent statement about their concerns over safety and inclusivity.
Jade Pacheco, an activist with ACT 4 SA, explained to KSAT the significance of the library as a cherished space for learning, free from intimidation. However, Pacheco highlighted concerns about the potential presence of police officers inside the library, noting that many community members, including those who have avoided homelessness by using the library’s resources, expressed fears about feeling safe if police were stationed there.
Despite having security guards, the library has experienced an increase in violence, as Kathy Donellan, the assistant director, reported to the library’s board of trustees in October 2023. She detailed 18 incidents of assault within the year, prompting her to propose a pilot program. Whether these incidents were reported to the police or incidents that were against the libraries rules are still forthcoming. This program would involve San Antonio police officers patrolling the library part-time during specific periods when increased problematic activity was noted.
Donellan emphasized that the decision was carefully considered, aiming to introduce a new deterrent to prevent violence without creating an atmosphere of fear. The initiative would cost about $70,000 a year.
Pacheco, however, voiced concerns about the emotional cost to vulnerable groups such as communities of color, LGBTQI+ individuals, and the unhoused, citing past traumas with law enforcement. Pacheco and fellow activists argue for alternatives that better meet community needs and vow to continue advocating against the proposed police presence in the library.
