Wallsend Library Shut After Spike in Violence and Threats Towards Staff

1 July 2025

newy.com.au – Wallsend Library has been temporarily closed following a surge in violent and threatening incidents that have endangered staff and members of the public, City of Newcastle confirmed on 1 July 2025.

The closure follows a series of alarming events over the past week, including physical assaults on staff, a security guard being spat on, reports of youths with knives in the vicinity, and individuals forcing their way into the building. Police have responded to multiple incidents, and vandalism including smashed glass, graffiti, and damage to signage and the return chute has also been reported.

A team member from Newy 87.8 who visited the library a few days prior to the closure overheard staff discussing a troubling incident in which children were seen pushing their way through the front door when someone exited the building, then threatening people with a wet floor sign.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the decision to close the library was made to protect staff and the community. “It is unacceptable that the behaviour of a small number of people is putting people at risk,” Mr Bath said. “In the wake of a week-long campaign of increased anti-social behaviour we have made a decision to close our library today for the safety and wellbeing of our staff and members of the public.”

While police have been actively involved, Mr Bath emphasised that enforcement alone is not a long-term solution. “Wallsend is an amazing community but that can’t prevent us from acknowledging that there is a safety problem that needs to be addressed,” he said. He called on local leaders, schools and parents to engage with young people about appropriate behaviour in public spaces.

Concerns have grown ahead of the upcoming school holidays, with staff reporting near-daily threats. Mr Bath said employees are worried not only about their own welfare but also the safety of library visitors.

In response to earlier anti-social incidents, City of Newcastle had already introduced access restrictions, requiring library card scans for entry after 3pm on weekdays, and stationed a full-time security guard at the facility for the past year.

Director Museum Archive Libraries & Learning, Julie Baird, said the library’s role as a safe and welcoming community space had been undermined by the recent conduct of a few individuals. “While the vast majority of visitors use the library respectfully, it’s disappointing that the troubling actions of a few within the community have necessitated this action to be taken,” Ms Baird said. “We appreciate the support and patience of our library members at this time.”

City of Newcastle has not yet confirmed when the library will reopen.