Wake County Libraries Boost Security Budget

Wake County Public Libraries in North Carolina are significantly increasing their security budget, allocating $1.43 million for the upcoming fiscal year 2026, a stark contrast to the $348,818 spent in 2020. This boost allows for a consistent security presence across all 23 library locations, with officers present during at least some operating hours. The move aims to deter incidents and address staffing shortages, despite some libraries experiencing high numbers of serious incidents. The trend of increased security in libraries has sparked a broader conversation, with activists advocating for investments in social workers instead of police. Libraries, as reflections of their communities, face the challenge of balancing safety with accessibility, ensuring they remain welcoming spaces for everyone. DNN | The Daily News Now! The world’s first global local news network. Every city. Every story. AI powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.