Due to a recent influx of homelessness and overdoses in Saskatoon, the city’s public library system has decided to temporarily close two of its locations for a full month.

Between Saturday, March 22nd and Sunday, April 13th, both the Frances Morrison Central and Dr. Freda Ahenakew libraries will be closed. The two branches will reopen for holds pickup on April 14th with plans to resume regular service on April 21st.

Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) cites a lack of available community support services as the reason for the closures, along with some violent patron behavior.

In a written news release, SPL says so far this year, they have responded to at least 48 overdoses or drug poisonings, almost double the number from the same time period last year.

“We cannot serve as a refuge for people with nowhere else to go, who need support with addictions and who are experiencing medical emergencies,” said Carol Shepstone, Director of Libraries & CEO at SPL. “The decision to pause library services is painful, as our commitment to serving the community and meeting their needs is at the heart of what we do.”

The SPL says addressing the increasing number of medical emergencies and violent incidents in the two libraries is beyond our capacity. Our employees face the challenging task of referring people to community services that are often unavailable or overcapacity due to a lack of resources. Currently, all the community supports are stretched beyond their capabilities.

SPL reduced hours at four locations last spring due to a lack of available community supports for vulnerable people.