Public libraries are at the centre of our communities — but the workers who keep them running are facing growing risks on the job.
CUPE’s new 2025 BC Library Health & Safety Survey Report reveals a sector in crisis. Nearly 600 library workers from 75 communities shared their experiences in this province-wide survey, exposing widespread issues of violence, understaffing, and unsafe conditions that have escalated over the past decade.
What We Heard
- 83% of library staff feel unsafe at work at least some of the time.
- 77% say understaffing makes their jobs more dangerous — lone shifts and skeleton crews leave them isolated and vulnerable.
- 65% have had to call 9-1-1 during a workplace incident.
- 90% regularly encounter biohazards like needles, blood, or human waste.
- 70% report receiving no debrief or follow-up after violent or traumatic incidents.
These results show a clear pattern: library workers are being left to handle emergencies without the resources or backup they need.
Why It Matters
When workers don’t feel safe, neither do the communities they serve.
Protecting the people who protect our public spaces must be a priority. CUPE is calling for real investment in staffing, training, and support systems to make libraries safe and accessible for everyone.
“Change is a must. Violence is NOT a part of my job description.”
—CUPE Library Worker, Survey Respondent
Download the Report
Download the full 2025 CUPE Library Health & Safety Survey Report