Teens Causing Havoc at Public Library and Café

THE Mount Gambier Public Library has always been a hotspot for youth. Being a revolutionary and award-winning library which opened it's doors in 2009, it caters for all types of people, with the youth of the region being one focus. The library features an area specifically designed for teenagers, with entertainment, computer access and free wireless internet.

But in recent weeks, a group of teenagers have turned on the staff at the library, particularly in the café area situated at the forefront of the facility, overlooking the Cave Gardens.

In just the past two weeks, Mount Gambier Police have been called to the area no less than 8 times after acts of vandalism, use of profanity, and verbal abuse of staff; have become more common. In one instance, a fire extinguisher was set off in one of the rooms, and in another, a trolley of books was pushed and knocked over.

Many members of this particular group of teenagers proudly sport their High School jumpers during school hours, while loitering outside the library. Generally staff don't have a problem with this, as they understand that it's a central location, suited perfectly for teenagers.
What they do have a problem with though, is the verbal abuse. When these teens are asked to move on by staff, they're hit back at with a barrage of abuse, profanity and name-calling.

Given the teenagers are under-aged, Police can do nothing but issue 24-hour barring orders. The teens often return the next day.

A café. At a library. In Mount Gambier. Not a place you'd expect screaming, objects being thrown, people being assaulted, fearing for their safety, and teenagers screaming abuse at police. 

During peak lunch time on Monday the 16th of June, a brawl broke out in the library between a separate group of youth, these ones older than the others. Police were called, the offenders removed, and allowed to leave. An ambulance was also on scene to treat injuries sustained to one of those involved.
With Police present, one staff member took the opportunity to mention to one officer that a boy there was one of those issues with the barring order, and wasn't supposed to be on the premises. Once approached by an officer and asked to leave, the teen began swearing and abusing the officer. The officer attempted to escort him from the premises, but that became easier said than done.
In all, three officers were needed to restrain the teen, continuing to hurl abuse at the officers. He was then removed from the premises and charged. Another youth was also charged.

Because of recent events, a security guard has now been employed, being paid out of taxpayer's money, to ensure the safety of the customers who use the facilities, comprising largely of the elderly, and young mothers with children.

Though will the security presence after the recent serious issues deter the teens? "I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them here again today.." One staff member said.
Surely enough, a few of the group soon arrived. Though it was mentioned that these particular kids tend to be the peaceful ones, it's the others, a select few in the group who consistently cause trouble.
They sat and kept to themselves, though a fair amount of profanity was used, and they were asked to move on by security - to which they obliged without trouble.

Security will remain on the premises during business hours for the rest of the school term, and during school holidays. It's currently unknown for just how long their services will be required. That all depends on the behaviour of these particular teenagers.

"We're at the point where we are scared to walk to our cars by ourselves after we close up.. We don't want them seeing our cars, out of fear they'll target us further.."