A massive surge in overdoses and illegal drug activity has forced two Saskatoon libraries to close, raising the alarm about an escalating drug crisis with a deadly batch of fentanyl circulating in Saskatoon.
Late last week, the Frances Morrison Library downtown and the Dr. Freda Ahenakew Library on Twentieth Street West closed their doors for a month because of serious concerns for staff safety.
Employees at both locations have reportedly responded to dozens of overdoses on-site, intervened in drug transactions, and faced frequent harassment from individuals under the influence of illegal drugs.
Many workers say they feel compelled to fill roles normally handled by treatment and social service agencies.
Sask NDP’s Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Addictions Betty Nippi-Albright blames the Sask Party government for failing to prevent what she calls a worsening mental health and addictions crisis.
“Public libraries and library workers should not be forced to fill the role of treatment and care because the Sask Party is missing in action,” said Nippi-Albright.
More than 400 overdoses have occurred in Saskatoon since February.
Union representatives for library staff, including CUPE 2669 spokesperson Cara Stelmaschuk, say the closures highlight a dire need for better funding and more comprehensive support services.
“Having an open and welcoming space is very important to library workers, but we also need safe workplaces,” said Stelmaschuk.
Critics point out that last week’s provincial budget included no increase in library funding for the third straight year.
Nippi-Albright calls this oversight another example of the Sask Party’s inaction.
“It’s getting worse by the day,” said Nippi-Albright.
“People are dying every day from these drugs, including so many young victims. That’s our future.”
The Sask Party government continues to move to what it calls a recovery and enforcement model, which includes 500 addictions treatment beds and increased drug enforcement.
About half of the treatment beds are operational, with the rest expected to be by the end of the year.
There have been major drug busts across the province, taking fentanyl and other illegal drugs off Saskatchewan’s streets.