In the new year, local libraries will now have an extra responsibility beyond loaning books and hosting children’s story hours.
A new state law (House Bill 1910/Public Act 104-0056) goes into effect Jan. 1 which mandates “all libraries open to the general public in this state shall maintain a supply of opioid antagonists in an accessible place.” These antagonists, such as Naloxone (Narcan) and Naltrexone, usually administered in a nasal spray, are designed to block opioid receptors in the brain. The law mandates having library personnel trained “to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose to any person whom the authorized personnel believes ... to be having an opioid overdose (i) on library grounds, (ii) in the immediate vicinity of the library of (iii) at a library-sponsored event.” The bill, first proposed by Rep. Anna Moeller in January, passed by both houses May 21 and was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker Aug. 1.
According to Colchester Library Director Debbie Sullivan, while the concern mainly centers around urban libraries, along with those that serve unhoused or transient populations, the law is intended to provide help for individuals who might use the library as a safe space.
“At Colchester, we do not have that concern, but of course, we will comply,” Sullivan shared. “But being aware and prepared is always good.”
Sullivan noted the Colchester branch will not incur any additional costs complying with the new law as the McDonough County Health Department will provide the products and the library’s four staff members have already completed the necessary training online.
“The law actually states that one trained employee must be available during all open hours, and since we often do work solo, we all completed the training,” Sullivan added. “This new requirement immediately raised several red flags for me, all of which have been laid to rest since completing the training: you cannot harm someone by administering it mistakenly; we do still call 911; we can comply without cost, and we will not dispense the antagonist, just administer it if ever needed.”
According to Carol Clemons, a member of the Macomb Public Library District Board, Narcan is in place at the Macomb library, along with a defibrillator, and all library staff have been trained accordingly.
