Library locks its doors when open due to incidents

Gorleston Library's doors were closed and only opened when users presented their library card

A library has closed its doors during opening hours in response to "recurring antisocial behaviour incidents".

Gorleston Library users must now use their library cards to access the branch on Lowestoft Road "most afternoons and evenings", after eight incidents were recorded in 2025, Norfolk County Council (NCC) said.

Meanwhile, a library in Great Yarmouth has had periods where toilets have been closed owing to antisocial behaviour and vandalism.

A NCC spokesperson said reports had been made to the police and added: "The incidents typically involve groups of teenagers entering the building and behaving inappropriately, [and] can involve swearing and being rude to customers and staff."

They continued: "They have often refused to leave when asked."

The council said any behaviour that left staff or users feeling unsafe was "wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated".

They added: "All the incidents have been reported to the police, and we are working closely with the local beat officer to manage the situation.

"We have introduced some entry restrictions in the evening, which will remain in place for as long as needed to ensure the safety of our staff and library users."

In a separate issue, the council said toilets at the library at The Place in Great Yarmouth have frequently been closed due to damage.

When the BBC visited, the toilets in the children's library, one disabled toilet and the Changing Places toilet were all closed owing to damage, leaving one disabled cubicle and two unisex cubicles available.

A market trader told the BBC that they had to buy clothes and trainers for a disabled man who claimed he was denied access to the facilities and soiled his clothes.

The council said: "Unfortunately, the toilets in The Place are sometimes unavailable due to blockages caused by misuse. We're working to restore full access as soon as possible.

"We kindly ask all customers to treat the facilities with respect and report any issues to library staff. At no point have we denied access to working toilets."

Janet Tough said staff could not be expected to tackle antisocial behaviour owing to the risks of knife crime

Janet Tough, 78, of Gorleston, said: "I know they lock the toilets because of that sort of thing and Great Yarmouth's new library, they've had to lock their toilets because of unruly people.

"But this [locking the doors] I haven't seen before. It's the way of the world at the minute; it's not acceptable, but it starts at home with disciplining your children.

"You can't expect staff to take it on, because you don't know who's going to draw a knife."

Ian Measures said it's a sign of the times, but believed calling out antisocial behaviour could help reduce incidents

Ian Measures, 49, of Gorleston, said: "It seems a bit strange. I guess it's a sign of the times; you can't trust everyone. It seems a bit extreme to lock the doors."

Sadie Laurence suggested that the library should get security

Sadie Laurence, 33, of Gorleston, said: "It's bad. But maybe [locking the doors] is a good thing. Maybe they should get some security instead of doing that."

Gaynor Hannon, 59, of Bradwell, said: "If someone's being horrible, you don't want them in there. I don't want people being antisocial when my grandson's with me."