Downtown Edmonton library safe despite fight video

Edmonton's downtown library is safe despite a fight Wednesday afternoon in front of the building that was captured on video and posted on YouTube, security staff say.

The 56-second video shows two teenage girls punching and kicking each other outside the Stanley Milner Library around 3:30 p.m.

"I think this is a very isolated incident," said Kevin Kramers, director of facilities and operations for the Edmonton Public Library.

"If you look over the past two years, we've made great strides...to improve the security down here."

Stabbings sparked security review

Two years ago a rash of stabbings outside the library prompted the city to increase police patrols to help crack down on violence and drug dealing.

Mayor Stephen Mandel, then-police chief Mike Boyd, and Edmonton Public Library CEO Linda Cook also met to look for solutions.

They agreed to remove several newspaper boxes outside the library often used as tables or beds by homeless people. They also moved the bus shelter in front of the library to ease congestion on the sidewalk.

The library also hired outreach workers who work with people who hang out there, helping them with such things as finding shelter or identification.

The changes are working, said Kramers.

In 2009, the library banned 79 people from entering, but barred only five people last year, he said.

"The word we're getting from our staff and our customers is they do feel safer," he said.