Waikato District Libraries closed on 30 November

Waikato District Libraries will be closed on Monday 30 November 2015 so staff can undertake critical training.

For council-related matters, the Waikato District Council’s Ngaruawahia and Tuakau offices will remain open to the public.

General Manager Customer Support, Sue Duignan, said the training day is essential for staff.

“In the past year our library and front of house council staff have been abused, spat at, yelled at and intimidated by their customers. They have witnessed assaults and been threatened by members of the community they work in.

“Staff are unsure what they will face when they turn up to work each day. As an employer, staff safety is our number one priority. We are committed to providing a safe working environment. This training day will enable staff to manage difficult situations and to identify when it is time to use the implemented security protocols.”

North West Waikato Prevention Sergeant Neil Mouncher said it was unacceptable that library and front of house council staff offering a service to the community were being rewarded with intimidation and violence.

“Our libraries provide a fantastic service for our communities. It is really disappointing to hear that staff are being treated in this way. Verbal and physical abuse of staff will not be tolerated and the Police will be working closely with the libraries to ensure this anti-social behaviour stops.”

During the closure, the public will still be able to search the library online catalogue to view and request items and browse the online databases for research or other purposes.

Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday 1 December.

For more information please contact:

Narelle Barrowcliffe
Senior Communications Advisor
Waikato District Council
07 824 8633 Extn: 5649
027 836 2401
narelle.barrowcliffe@waidc.govt.nz