Library staff in Saskatchewan demand government action over rising violence and safety risks linked to the drug crisis and homelessness.

Saskatchewan library workers, represented by CUPE, are urging Premier Scott Moe’s government to address escalating safety threats in public libraries caused by the province’s drug crisis and homelessness. Staff report frequent overdoses, violent attacks including a machete assault that caused a worker to lose a finger, and other incidents like attempted abductions and sexual assaults. Libraries, especially in Saskatoon, are increasingly serving as de facto shelters due to a lack of housing and mental health services, forcing untrained staff to manage crises without adequate support. Two Saskatoon libraries closed temporarily in 2025 over safety concerns. Union leaders and opposition critics say the provincial government must invest in community services to prevent further harm and ensure libraries remain safe public spaces.