New security gates installed at Sylvan Oaks Library. Here’s why

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Sylvan Oaks Library in Citrus Heights recently added new security gates and fencing to its two entrances.

The addition of security gates was a two-year-long collaborative process, according to Jarrid Keller, deputy director of support services with the Sacramento Public Library. The project involved collaboration between Sacramento County, who owns the Sylvan Oaks Library building, the Library Authority board, who manages the building, Sunrise Recreation and Parks District who manage the adjacent Crosswoods Community Park, and the Sacramento Area Sewer District.

Keller said the goal of the Sacramento Public Library system is to provide access to all, but safety had become a growing concern around the library and in the immediate vicinity. Keller cited a marked increase in vandalism over the last several years, including open fires being set by doorways, broken windows, trash, and graffiti, all of which Keller called “very costly” to continue to maintain.

Councilmember Tim Schaefer, who formerly sat on the Sacramento Public Library Authority board of directors in 2022, told The Sentinel via email that between January 2021 and January 2022, there were 122 incidents of violence or vandalism at the Sylvan Oaks Library, including an attack on the assistant manager of the library.  Councilmember MariJane Lopez-Taff, who currently sits on the Library Authority board of directors, could not be reached for comment.

Keller confirmed that there was one assault against a library staff member but gave no further details of who was assaulted or when the assault occurred specifically.

Along with installing new gates and fencing, the Sacramento Public Library has increased its security patrols after hours. Keller noted that similar security measures have been employed at other libraries throughout the library system, adding that he’s seen a “marked change” throughout the county in the last couple of years when it comes to vandalism.

The culmination of after-hours activity resulting in excessive vandalism spurred the decision for higher safety measures to be taken, but the deciding factor, Keller said, was unknown parties regularly climbing on the roof of Sylvan Oaks Library and leaving refuse behind. The new gates, Keller said, are designed to keep people from climbing on the roof to both prevent garbage from accumulating, but also to prevent people from injuring themselves or others.

The construction project cost a little over $200,000, Keller said, adding that the project also included enhancements to the existing lighting. Keller said the cost was allocated in part of the public library’s maintenance budget.

“With all of our measures, we’re trying to strike a balance between accessibility and security,” Keller said, adding that the goal of the library is to provide a “welcoming space” while “mitigating potential risk of after-hours activities.”

The Sunrise Recreation and Park District has also been increasing safety measures in the adjoining park. According to Keller, the park district has installed a gate at one of the parking lot entrances, which closes when the library closes, and has also increased after-hours security patrols.

“While we have had issues arise, the responsible parties are unknown,” Sacramento Public Library Safety and Security Manager Karen Leland said, adding that the area around the library is “teeming with activity” from a combination of unknown groups.

The Sylvan Oaks Public Library is located at 6700 Auburn Blvd.