Lewisham libraries are grappling with a significant rise in abusive incidents, with verbal and threatening behaviour now making up over half of all reported cases. Data presented to the Lewisham Health and Safety Committee reveals a 10.2% increase in overall incidents across the council's Hub Libraries, rising from 49 to 54 between October 2023-September 2024 and October 2024-September 2025. The primary driver for this surge is a 24% increase in verbal and threatening abuse, which now constitutes 57.4% of all library-related incidents.

Library staff are experiencing a range of abuse, including verbal abuse, racial abuse, sexual abuse, and threats on their lives. One staff member reported experiencing sexual abuse, while a security guard was subjected to quite nasty racial abuse and threats on his life after intervening with individuals attempting to smoke drugs in the library toilets. The misuse of library facilities, particularly toilets, for drug use and vandalism is cited as a primary cause for the increase in these incidents, leading to temporary closures of these essential facilities.

Near miss incidents also saw a dramatic surge of 156%, increasing from 18 to 46 over the same period. While no serious injuries or diseases were reported, this sharp rise suggests either an increase in hazardous situations or an improved reporting culture among staff. This data is detailed in the Libraries Incident Analysis Report.

Catford Library has been identified as a particular hotspot, experiencing a high volume of anti-social behaviour. In response to these escalating issues, Lewisham Council is implementing several measures. Bespoke conflict management training, provided by the Safer Business Network, is available to staff. This training aims to equip staff with practical strategies for diffusing tense situations, managing workplace risks, identifying and supporting vulnerable people, and de-escalating conflict through communication and personal safety. The overall goal is to support staff to de-escalate, to know actually when to step out and go, this is dangerous now, it's time to walk away. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) courses are also being offered to teach staff how to manage, investigate, and resolve ASB cases, covering legal powers, evidence gathering, partnership working, and safeguarding.

The council has also signed up to the Safer Business Network, which will enhance CCTV capabilities and the identification of repeat offenders. A Banning Policy is in place for libraries, which is currently being revised alongside byelaws to address challenging behaviour more effectively. The policy's application depends on the incident; minor disruptions may result in warnings, while serious incidents, such as racial abuse and threats on life, can lead to an incident ban for 12 months. These policies are being revised and have been sent to the Legal Team.

The number of security guards on site varies by location. For instance, we have a security guard that will be present at Deptford. At Catford Library, we'll have one to two security guards on site. The number of security guards is determined by risk assessments conducted with the security company to ascertain the appropriate number for each site, and this is constantly under review based on incident numbers.

Despite the concerning rise in abuse, library staff are receiving support through regular supervision, incident debriefs, and access to wellbeing resources, including the Staff Support Hub and PAM Assist Counselling. The council is also exploring the use of volunteers in hub libraries to provide additional support and enhance safety measures, though specific training for volunteers is not yet detailed.

Overall, Lewisham's libraries continue to be highly utilised, with visitor numbers expected to exceed one million this year. The council remains committed to maintaining these spaces as welcoming and safe environments for all users and staff. Further details on library incidents and actions can be found in the Libraries Incident Actions Log.