RIVER FOREST (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - In light of threats and harassment, the public library in west suburban River Forest will not open until 5 p.m. today because of heightened security needs.
Staff no longer feel it’s safe to be open without extra security, so the library has hired private guards. They won’t start until tomorrow, which means River Forest Police officers are onsite until then and the library hours have been adjusted to accommodate.
The library said this is due to ongoing threats and harassing messages against Director Emily Compton-Dzak and local police. It has escalated to letters being sent to the River Forest Tennis Club, some residents and the library at large.
Staff believe a patron who was banned is behind the threats and are cooperating with a police investigation.
Today, the facility will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will return to regular hours tomorrow.
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