Antioch public library shut due to 'dangerous incidents'

ANTIOCH, Calif. - The Contra Costa County Library temporarily shut its branch in Antioch due to "repeated dangerous incidents" that jeopardized the staff and patrons, the system announced Friday. 

More specifically, the library reported incidents of drug use, robberies and public sex in the library stacks.

The closure took effect Saturday and would remain in place "until further notice," the library system said on its website. But by Saturday evening, the library system said the Antioch branch would reopen on Tuesday.

"The Contra Costa County Library has made this difficult decision after repeated dangerous incidents in the last few months that have threatened the safety and security of patrons and staff," the website originally said. 

A library spokesperson told KTVU that crimes, theft and vandalism against employees and patrons were just the tip of the iceberg.

"We've also had drug activity and drug use both inside the library and on library property," said Brooke Converse, a spokeswoman for the Contra Costa County Library System.

"People having sexual intercourse inside the library or on property in full view of patrons and staff. We found bullet casings on library property."

Antioch's Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe criticized the move, saying the city was blindsided by the decision.

"No one in the City of Antioch, including the police chief, was informed of safety concerns by Contra Costa County regarding the library," he said in a statement.

Library officials, however, say the branch is owned and operated by the county, so county supervisors were notified.

However, library officials said they would work more closely with the city.

"The Library will be in close contact with the City of Antioch about how they can best support the safety of library patrons, staff, and the surrounding neighborhood," said County Librarian Alison McKee.

Plans include adding a second full-time security officer, repairing a vandalized fence, and upgrading security cameras.

"We apologize for the short notice and the inconvenience, but the safety of our patrons and staff is a top priority," the library said.