Suffolk Libraries chief responds to anti-social behaviour

The warning comes following a series of incidents at Newmarket library in mid-July in which staff were verbally abused by groups of young people, some of whom rode their bikes inside the building, tipping over tables as they went.

A second incident happened the following day in which some youngsters verbally abused the staff in the library and refused to leave.

At the same library earlier this month, a 13-year-old was arrested by police after being found in possession of cannabis and a 14-year-old had their E-scooter seized.

Newmarket library is based in The Guineas shopping centre. (Image: Google Maps)

Suffolk Libraries deputy chief executive Krystal Vittles praised Suffolk police for their support of the library staff.

"By working together, we hope we can make people think twice about this kind of behaviour so we can stamp it out," she said.

"Our regular customers have also been very supportive which is appreciated by our staff."

Ms Vittles highlighted that it's important to stress that a "small minority" are responsible for these incidents. 

Suffolk Libraries deputy chief executive Krystal Vittles was recently awarded a British Empire Medal for service to public libraries. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

"Libraries are open and welcoming community spaces which are used by thousands of people across Suffolk," she added.

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"We do, sadly, experience anti-social behaviour incidents from time to time, although it's only usually an issue in a minority of libraries.

"It can be quite unpleasant for staff and customers to experience so we take anti-social behaviour very seriously and encourage staff to report all incidents.

"We report serious incidents to the police and will ban individuals if necessary, as the safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers is always our priority."