Youth sonic deterrent a problem solver, says public library CEO

News — 27 October 2010

Dryden Public Library CEO Sandra Weitzel says careful consideration went into the library board’s decision to install a ‘sonic deterrent’ device to address youth loitering problems at its Van Horne storefront.

Made in the UK, the ‘Mosquito’ device emits an unpleasant ultrasonic frequency that only those under the age of 25 can perceive. Since installation in May, the loitering problem has been resolved.

Weitzel says the library found itself walking a fine line after working very hard over the past seven years to become a welcoming place for youth. Having achieved that goal with free Internet and computer access, a wide selection of literature geared towards children and adolescents, even a snack program, Weitzel says the more problematic elements of teenage behaviour come part and parcel with attracting youth.

“This is what youth do, they congregate in groups and for some reason they like to hang out in front of doors,” says Weitzel. “That’s just the way it is. Our whole objective of making this a welcoming place for everybody, and especially young people, was being destroyed by us having to go out and yell at people.”

A recent survey conducted for the library’s strategic plan proved the issue was also foremost in the minds of library users who let loose a storm of complaints regarding teenagers gathering to smoke in front of the library, using foul language and littering.

With the job of keeping the sidewalk clear falling to library staff, many employees grew increasingly uncomfortable with the situation.

“The staff were feeling that this was becoming an unsafe thing,” said Weitzel. “I had comments from staff members that they didn’t want some of the people that congregate outside the door to know what vehicle they drive. This is a library. Staff should not be worrying about whether their car would be ‘keyed’ because they had to yell at some teens.”

Motivated to act on the issue, over several months Weitzel says board members investigated a number of potential courses of action, including playing loud music, or using a different types of lighting that have been proven to dissuade people from congregating.

“We talked about playing loud music, but that’s really annoying to everybody. We have to take into consideration that we have Patricia Gardens and Princess Court next door and we don’t want to do anything that might detract from their enjoyment of the outdoors,” said Weitzel. “The selling feature of this (Mosquito) was that it could be easily avoided in a few seconds — you just come inside. It’s working and we’ve never had a single comment or complaint.”

The unit has an effective range of 50 feet and Weitzel says the sound emitted from the Mosquito is within safe guidelines. The product’s fact sheet indicates the commercial model operates at 85 decibels, or a little quieter than an average lawnmower.

As for concerns about pets and small children who are exposed to the sound the manufacturer states, “although dogs and small children have very acute hearing and are easily able to hear at this frequency, extensive testing shows that it does not appear to bother them.”

- Chris Marchand

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About Author

chrismarchand

Chris Marchand is a native of Dryden, Ontario. He served his first newspaper internship at The Dryden Observer in 1998 while attending journalism studies at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops B.C. He's worked desks as both reporter and editor at the Fernie Free Press as well as filled the role of sports editor at the Cranbrook Daily Townsman. Marchand was named editor of the Dryden Observer in Aug. 2009.