Travis County tapped to help address growing safety concerns at Austin libraries

Austin City Council approved Thursday a contract with Travis County to support security services at Austin Public Library branches.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Council approved Thursday an extended contract with Travis County to support security services at Austin Public Library branches. The now-approved $40,000 contract will support 12 months' worth of security assistance, with the possible of four additional 12-month contract options in the future for a total amount capped at $200,000.

The request for additional security help comes amid increasing safety concerns, city officials noted in council documents.

"The Austin Public Library's Central Library, as well as its neighborhood branches, experience serious safety and/or security-related incidents daily," documents read. "The nature of these incidents has grown increasingly worse, including the destruction of property, threats, violence (physical attacks against employees and customers), weapons, theft, and the possession and/or use of drugs or alcohol, which has led to the need for increased safety and security measures."

Following council's approval, the Travis County Sheriff's Office will use and station department vehicles at various library branch sites, with Travis County peace officers aiding with library security efforts. Documents noted APL has already been working with TCSO for security assistance prior to Thursday's extended services contract.