Security beefed up after shooting

The Columbus Metropolitan Library will buy security cameras, enlist more off-duty police officers and ban toy or lookalike guns following the June 11 shooting inside the Main Library Downtown, the first-ever in the 23-branch system’s history.

Library officials have been busy in the 10 days since the shooting in which Joseph Steward is accused of shooting John Thrasher. The violence followed an escalating dispute that resulted in Steward, 28, chasing down Thrasher, 47, and shooting him in the ankle, authorities say. Steward is charged with felonious assault.

The library has since reviewed its active-shooter training, tested its emergency-notification system, met with staff members and created an 86-page security briefing book.

“Much of this is to focus on our ongoing training,” Director Pat Losinski told the library board Thursday. “I think we have taken security seriously for a long period of time.”

The board voted 4-0 on the new cameras, expected to cost as much as $500,000. They will be installed in only the 11 branches that are not currently being rebuilt or remodeled.

The newer cameras will have the ability to zoom in close enough to read the cover of a book, said Alison Circle, chief customer experience officer.

Losinski said the cameras are largely a deterrent to misconduct, but also could be used in investigations.

The banning of toy guns wasn’t spurred by a single incident, but is a reaction to an era of heightened caution.

“I think that it was a complete over-reaction by the perpetrator and could have happened anywhere, any day,” Losinski said of the shooting. “While this incident occurred in the Main Library, I think we realize that it could have happened in any of the other branches. While it occurred in the library ... it is not a library shooting.”

The library also will seek proposals from firms to conduct a security audit. And it will temporarily use more off-duty police officers when deemed necessary. That will cost an estimated $150,000 more per year.

Board members praised the staff, noting that the first security officer to subdue Steward had been on the job only a week.

“I certainly feel fortunate that the event didn’t end any worse than it did,” said Tim Frommeyer, board president.

Frommeyer said balancing new security measures with protecting the privacy and rights of customers will be important.

The library also has sought suggestions from library staff. Among the suggestions: having swipe cards instead of keys to open doors and closets; conducting simulations of emergencies; updating branch security manuals; and using clear messages rather than code words during emergencies.

The recent renovation of the Main Library includes a securityoperations center in the basement, where about 700 cameras monitor the 23 branches and the library system’s nonpublic buildings.

Two security guards sit in front of several large screens on which they can follow visitors through a building or zoom in on groups of people. The annual budget for security is about $2.5 million of the system’s total $34 million budget.

Though other measures, such as metal detectors, have been discussed, there are few, if any, public libraries that use them, Losinski said.