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Library changes policies after rash of fights, new quiet hours prioritize safety

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DAYTON — The Dayton Metro Library changed their quiet space hours three weeks ago to avoid dangerous situations.

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As previously reported by News Center 7, fights at the library involving students from local schools caused the changes in the library rules. News Center 7′s Amber Jenkins speaks with library workers and patrons to see how these changes have gone.

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“We exist to be open. Every decision that is made, every program that is implemented, is with that in mind. Our goal is to stay open,” Debi Chess with the Dayton Library said.

Library staff say it’s has been safer since deciding to only allow 20 people inside from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“It is quiet during those hours and people can comfortably and confidently access services,” Chess said.

If the library already has 20 people in it during their quiet hours, people are given a card with a time, saying what time they will be allowed in.

Patrons are allowed to wait in the vestibule.

“They’re trying to make it safe for other people who actually want to read books and do what they have to do,” Teresa Roberts, who visits the library, said.

The quiet space hours are only implemented at the main, Downtown branch of the library, and they have not mentioned if they will be ending quiet hours any time soon.

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