Fears and Reality: Should we move library in wake of alleged sexual assault?

It was shocking news Wednesday when we first reported online that a man had been arrested at the Texarkana Public Library, allegedly sexually molesting an 11-year-old boy in the restroom.

But to read some of the comments on social media it wasn't a surprise to some locals.

An alert library employee noticed the suspect and the boy, whom she knows, entering the restroom together. She asked a male employee to check on them. He reportedly saw that they were together in a locked stall and was concerned about what might be going on. He yelled and the police were called to the scene. The suspect fled in the direction of Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter and was later arrested.

The adult suspect, a 26-year-old from Terrell, Texas, is facing one charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child. His bond has been set at $100,000.

For some time now, there have been complaints from the public about the library-which is open to everyone-becoming a haven for transients, especially considering its proximity to the homeless shelter and the homeless campgrounds near the railroad tracks. There have been stories and rumors about their activities in and around the library, mostly anecdotal. Some residents say they stay away for just that reason.

This terrible incident will only add fuel to the fire.

Advocates for the homeless would say this tragic incident was an aberration-and that's undoubtably true. It would be unfair to stigmatize the homeless any further. There is already enough of that.

We think a public library is essential to the community. It can open the world to residents young and old. But we have to ask: How useful can a public facility like a library be if potential patrons avoid it and if parents are afraid to let their children make use of it? You can say those attitudes are unfair. Again, we agree. But the attitudes are there. And this incident will only serve to reinforce them in many people's minds.

There have been suggestions the library move to another location. Most recently we saw an idea that the old Bryce's Cafeteria building would be an ideal site.

We don't know that moving the library would be the right thing to do in a strictly moral sense. It would mean giving in to assumptions and fears about a vulnerable segment of our society. But the truth is those fears became a lot more real last week. So maybe it's time to consider the idea.

Upcoming Events