Drunken behaviour, racist comments and assaults have increased in libraries in Warwickshire . In fact, there were 67 reported incidents in 2024/2025, compared to 34 in the previous year.

"A 2025 survey of library services in the West Midlands - including Warwickshire Library Information Service (WLIM) -revealed that many had experienced an upturn in anti-social behaviour, vandalism and criminal activity since the COVID pandemic," a council report explains.

"Service heads from 14 authorities reported a wide range of problems including drunken behaviour, racist comments to staff and customers, and assaults on staff."

The paper explains that it may in part be the result of staff being actively encouraged to report incidents or ‘near misses’ on the system - but the figures have almost d

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