It’s been one month since a violent exchange outside the downtown Portland Central Library left a man dead, and its impact could bring lasting changes to Multnomah County’s flagship branch.

The county’s Director of Libraries Annie Lewis told the Board of Commissioners Thursday that the downtown branch is weighing major changes to security in and around the building, potentially including metal detectors and bag searches. Lewis said it would be a difficult choice to make.

“Weapons detection in a public library is a really significant measure to take,” Lewis told the board, “and it comes with a lot of risks and implications that would need to be considered.”

The shooting that spurred renewed concerns over safety took place July 1 at Southwest 10th Avenue and Yamhill Street. Police res

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