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878 days ago

Abusive behaviour in Johnsonville library

Carlos from Johnsonville

We've lived 4 years in Johnsonville and since we moved our 12y/o daughter has been regularly visiting and using the Johnsonville Library facilities to get books, join the clubs/activities (she had been to the coding and sewing classes) and also as a meeting point for after school.
Last week she had a short day at Raroa so she and 2 friends went to the library around midday. After 20 mins there, they were approached in an abusive manner by someone who identified as library staff, telling them that they were not allowed in the library and started asking them for their personal details (names, addresses, phones).
The girls were confused and scared at this stage and replied that they had a short day and been going there for years. At that time this person called security guards, started threatening them with calling the police for "truancy" and that were not allowed again in the building.
They had to leave in tears and spent the next few hours walking around in the mall, carparks and shops while parents could meet with them. They have not come back to the library since then.
Isn't the Johnsonville Library supposed to be a safe and inclusive community space PARTICULARLY for children? How on Earth can library staff send little girls to spend their time in malls and carparks instead?
Whatever the policy is, this is not the right way to communicate it and enforce it. We have sent a complaint to WCC as well.

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