Andrews – Town officials ordered that restrooms inside the Andrews Public Library be closed to the public following complaints about drug users clogging drains, damaging property and breaking the law.
Andrews Mayor James Reid, on advice from town attorney Holly Christy, on Thursday ordered the restrooms to be closed but available in emergencies. Following that, Franklin Shook – director of the Nantahala Regional Library, of which the Andrews Public Library is a part – announced the decision on the library’s Facebook page.
“Nantahala Regional Library met with Town of Andrews leadership today concerning facilities. Due to significant maintenance issues at the Andrews Public Library – North Carolina, we will be closing our public bathrooms at this location. This decision will be revisited with town leadership at a future date as we work to reduce intentional damage of public facilities,” Shook said.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this causes, and we will continue to be relentlessly resourceful with library services.”
The development moved swiftly from the board of aldermen’s workshop the previous week, when aldermen complained about drug use and maintenance issues inside the library restroom.
Drug use common statewide
Shook wasn’t on Thursday’s agenda, but he was given time at the podium during the public comment period well beyond the usually allowed three minutes. That drew a complaint from a citizen who was only allowed three minutes to speak earlier in the meeting.
Shook said he has spoken with other library directors across the state, and the problem with drug users and associated damage is common. Reid acknowledged that the issue is widespread.
“Only difference is that we’re going to do something about that,” he said, adding that “nobody loves the library more” than himself and the four members of the board of aldermen.
Shook said it would be great to work together and avoid blame and criticism. There had been multiple conversations, mostly productive, he added, but that didn’t seem to translate from telephone conversations to a public meetings.
Shook said the library has a behavior policy posted prominently, and people who violate the rules risk being banned from one week to permanently. Library staff call police when needed.
Reid said the town could give more money to the library if maintenance costs weren’t so high. The town therefore chooses to close and lock restrooms, adding that a few people are ruining it for everybody.
“I’m done dealing with it,” Reid said.
Christy said the library isn’t required to have a restroom, as restrooms are only required in businesses that serve food.
One alderman’s take
Alderman Ted Paul has sent two emails to the Cherokee Scout that were critical of library management. In his latest, he denied a perception that the aldermen were book burners.
“It seems that the citizens of Andrews are more concerned about safety for their children than creating a safe space for drug users,” he wrote.
“At the work session, it came out that moving Andrews Public Library from the Nantahala Regional Library system to Andrews Municipal Library is a definite option. This is due to the fact that Andrews spends thousands of dollars on the library and has no say-so in its operation.
“News that library staff and/or patrons are concerned. They are concerned that if the Town of Andrews takes over library operations, there will be a mass book burning. The very notion is ridiculous and quite honestly offensive. This is America. As long as you are an adult, read what you like.
“This attitude displays a typical idiotic, left-wing strategy; spread fear and divisiveness, along with a healthy dose of rumors and lies, when things aren’t going your way.
“Library staff needs to face the truth,” he wrote. “The vast majority of Andrews is not liberal. Our citizens do not want our library to be a safe haven for needle junkies. We want it to be a safe place for our kids. One way or another, changes will be made at Andrews Public Library.”