Two Saskatoon libraries are closing for now because staff are being spat on and attacked while treating drug overdose emergencies and cleaning washrooms smeared with blood and human waste.
Cara Stelmaschuk, with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, said the Frances Morrison Central Library and Dr. Freda Ahenakew Library will close until April 13.
"It's just to give their employees just that month of being able to go to work without being scared," Stelmaschuk said.
She said there has been an increase in drug overdoses at the libraries over the past month, requiring staff to intervene and save people's lives.
"They're finding somebody blue because they can't breathe," she said.
"I don't know what it's like for first responders, but I know that the library doesn't offer mental health services. It isn't there to be a treatment centre. The library is not a hospital."
Staff are cleaning human waste, blood and drugs left behind in bathrooms, she said. They've also dealt with violence, weapons and drug deals.
"This is not a situation where anyone should be in, especially when we're talking about casual employees," she said. "They're being shouted at, they're being threatened and they're being intimidated. They're being shoved, assaulted and spat on."
Saskatoon Public Library has said it can't serve as a refuge for people who require addictions support and medical emergencies.
It has said staff have responded to 48 overdoses or drug poisonings so far this year, which is double the number from last year during the same time period.
Premier Scott Moe's Saskatchewan Party government faced questions in the legislature Monday in Regina over the drug issues.
Betty Nippi-Albright, the Opposition NDP critic for mental health and addictions, told the assembly the province has done little to address problems.
"It's not their job, these library staff, to save lives. But it is the job of this minister," Nippi-Albright said.
Addictions Minister Lori Carr told the assembly the province is working with the city and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
She said the province has also activated a provincial emergency operation centre. It's to help co-ordinate efforts between government ministries and organizations.
"We need to remind ourselves that no illicit use of drugs is safe," Carr told the assembly.
"The current situation in Saskatoon highlights the critical need for recovery. That's why we're moving to a recovery-oriented system of care."
She said the province is planning to add 500 treatment beds to help those with addictions.
Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block said in a statement the city is working with the emergency operation centre.
"We will keep pushing forward to address this crisis head-on," she said.
Stelmaschuk said the province should address gaps in the system.
She noted Prairie Harm Reduction, an organization that offers safe consumption of drugs and connects people with supports, has closed until the end of this month.
"There are (organizations) trying to fill those gaps and they're not being contacted to be asked, ‘What do you need? How do we help? How do we make this all work better?'" she said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2025.
Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press
