GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)- Public libraries are designed to be open, shared spaces, but library leaders say that only works when everyone follows the same rules.
The Brown County Central Library is restoring its ‘visitor liaison’ position, a role aimed at providing staff with extra support in the building.
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“Public libraries work if everyone’s cool, the rules are the same for everybody. And we all have to agree to follow the rules,” Brown County Library Executive Director, Sarah Sugden. “That’s when public libraries are the best.”
Suden said the position is common in urban libraries across the country and helps address behavior issues when policies are not followed.
“If you’re not compliant with library policy, we try to help folks get back on track,” Sugden said. “We are very up front about what we expect for behavior.”
She said the decision to bring the position back came after library leaders looked at community needs following the pandemic.
“What I can say is that post COVID, as we all emerged from that shared experience. We felt it was time to restore this position following what the best practices from libraries from across the country,” Sugden said.
The liaison will be focused on the safety and well-being of both staff and the community to continue public library practices safely.
“The library cares about the safety and well-being, and cares about [people] using the library successfully,” Sugden said.
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Sugden said the role will only be at the central library location, and the role will begin this weekend.
