Marijuana » Money was exchanging hands in the restroom.
Jump to full article: Salt Lake Tribune, 2009-10-13
Author: Nate Carlisle The Salt Lake Tribune
Intro: Since it opened in 2003, the main branch of the Salt Lake City Public Library has been an iconic gathering place.
But police became concerned about one group there this spring as citizens called tip lines and the Mayor's Office to report drug dealing and disruptive people. . . .
Illicit drugs weren't the only trouble. Some patrons reported trouble getting into the building, Elder said.
Smokers were congregating outside the entrance at 200 East and 400 South. People would play hacky sack at the entrance, Elder said, and some patrons reported having to wait for the sack to hit the ground before they could pass.
To counter the drug sales, undercover narcotics officers began posing as buyers. From March through July, police arrested about 20 people selling marijuana. Meanwhile, narcotics officers taught the library's private security contractors what signs might indicate drug dealing or use. Ross said his officers also encouraged staff to crack down on smaller offenses.
For example, smoking is illegal on Library Square and city parks, and Ross said he encouraged the library to stamp it out. Elder said the library staff politely began asking the hacky sack players and other groups to not block the doors.
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