CAMBRIDGE, MD - In response to a surge in incidents mirroring community trends, the Dorchester County Public Library and its Board of Trustees have announced a strategic shift in operating hours aimed at improving safety and security for patrons and staff.
The decision, which had been under consideration for nearly two months, comes as the county library director, Crystal Henningsen, highlights the escalation of "potentially dangerous incidents" within the community.
"We have seen increasing incidents that are mirroring what's happening within our community," Henningsen noted.
Effective Dec. 4, both the Cambridge and Hurlock branches will modify their hours to address safety concerns. The Cambridge Library will now start at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. from Monday through Saturday, as opposed to its previous closing times of 10 am to 6 or 8 p.m. The adjustment follows a series of incidents in Cambridge that prompted the change.
Henningsen emphasized the necessity of the decision, stating, "They have rapidly started to increase as the incidents within the community have increased. They're just starting to spill over into the library now."
Among those supporting the change is library visitor Ed Scheckler, who witnessed disturbances involving teenagers outside the library. Scheckler noted incidents such as arguments over bike ownership, which eventually escalated into distractions for library-goers.
"It lasted for a little over a week with bikes," he said. "Arguments over who's bike is who's and then arguments who is riding what bike where and literally circling cars."
Cambridge Police Chief Justin Todd confirmed that there have been approximately 14 reported incidents at the library this year, with six occurring since September, all involving juveniles. The incidents range from trespassing complaints to harassment, with one notable instance of a library patron being followed by a group of juveniles.
"We've had a couple of trespassing complaints and harassment complaints there," Todd said. "I do know one incident where somebody was pulling into the parking lot or getting into their car from the library and followed by a group of juveniles."
The decision to alter library hours not only aims to enhance safety but also allows for more efficient staff rotation between the branches in Hurlock and Cambridge. Henningsen added, the rotation will allow the library to have weekend programing and be able to visit schools. The library's commitment to community safety is evident in this strategic move, emphasizing a quieter and secure environment for all visitors.
As the Dorchester County Library adapts to these changes, patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the revised hours, acknowledging the library's dedication to providing a safe haven for learning and community engagement.
However, the hours might not be permanent. Henningsen tells WBOC the board is going to revisit its decision in the spring, but the hours will continue at least through Memorial Day.