This story has been updated with additional photos and information.
CANTON – The Stark Library’s main branch in downtown Canton was evacuated Monday afternoon following reports that a man with a gun may have been inside the building.
“The unclear individuals were called crisis centres and said they had weapons,” said Christian Turner, a spokeswoman for the city administration. “They pinged his location near the library.
“It’s unclear if he was in fact at the facility, but in the name of safety and for all involved, we went through the building and cleaned it up. We didn’t find anyone.
Police Chief John Gabbard said he was fortunate that the report was unfounded.
“But I responded with multiple resources until I could determine that the location was safe,” he wrote in an email.
Police were called out about the incident at 2pm and arrived at 2:06pm. They are 715 Market Ave. N.
Employees and patrons evacuated front and rear doors.
Police left the building before 3pm, some carrying guns carrying shields.
They said the area is not threatened at 3:05pm, Turner said.
Some officers remained on the scene at 3:35pm.
Canton Fire Station firefighters/emergency personnel left the area before 3pm.
Employees were allowed to re-enter the building at 3:10pm
The library announced on Facebook before 3pm that the main library would be closed for the rest of Monday, and later announced that all Stark Library locations would be closed for the rest of the day.
Danielle Attar, a spokesman for the Stark Library, said the library leadership decided on Monday to close all locations “from abundant care” and to the well-being of library staff.
“It’s an upsetting, extraordinary situation,” she said. “We’re a very tight knit group. …We felt it was wise to give everyone the rest of the day.”
All library locations reopened at normal opening hours on Tuesday.
“The safety of our staff and patrons is our number one concern,” Atter said. “In our main library, we have private security that is progressing every day. We have had it for several years. I hate how people think it’s not safe to visit the library. We are a valuable resource for many in our community and we hope that people get what they need safely and securely.”
