Crime at micro-places in public libraries

Abstract Public libraries are multifunctional places where visitors come to borrow books, use computers and socialise—all these activities impose a diverse set of safety demands on those responsible for facilities. Drawing from environmental criminology CPTED principles, this study proposes tests conceptual model investigate the spatiotemporal nature crime other safety-related incidents in public libraries. Incidents recorded by personnel 2017 2020 two Stockholm, Sweden mapped using three-dimensional CAD compared with notes fieldwork inspections interviews library personnel. Findings show that staff feel safe library, but mention unsafe situations they avoid taking precautionary measures. In addition, disturbances, aggression, followed crimes against property vandalism vary both temporally across different types environments. The design layout play role libraries’ conditions (e.g. territoriality, surveillance opportunities), some more challenging than others because attract entrances). concludes critically assessing proposed methodology making suggestions improve advance place managers places.