No Comfort: Broome Library Benches and Bus Shelter Removed

Some amenities that had been fixtures outside the Broome County Public Library have been yanked because of persistent security problems.

A BC Transit bus shelter at the Court Street library was removed a few days ago. Benches near the building's entrance were previously removed.

County security officers have said there were ongoing issues with people who were hanging out, fighting, sleeping and using drugs around the library.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said "people were congregating to that seating area and they were getting into fights."

Garnar told WNBF News the trouble was "interrupting people and families with kids" as they were entering the building.

The county executive said action was taken "to provide a more safe environment" for those who use the library.

Garnar said it's "unfortunate that a few people" were causing problems at the site. He said it's not something "that people should have to deal with as they go into the library."

He said it appears there have been fewer issues since the bus shelter and the benches were removed. But the problems haven't been eliminated.

During a Friday afternoon visit to the library, a few people were milling around the entrance accompanied by the strong odor of marijuana smoke.

One man was sprawled out on the sidewalk near the front door.

Patrons - adults and children - walked around those who apparently weren't interested in using the library's facilities.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.