[Publib] Security in School Library/Public Library Combination

[Carrie Haverman]

The Dauphin County Library System (Harrisburg, PA) includes one branch library that serves a dual role of public library and middle school/high school library. 
With increased security in schools, the school district is now looking at ways to provide some separation between the library facility and the school. With the exception of renovations to physically separate the two entities (currently connected by a corridor), we do not see a viable option to accomplish the goal. If the school provided an internal entrance for students from the school, this would still not prevent a member of the public from slipping through that door when it is swung open for a student. 
I know there are other combined school/public libraries across the country. I would appreciate any information that you can share regarding serving in the dual school/public library role and how school security issues were addressed. 
Rich Bowra 
Executive Director 
Dauphin County Library System 
101 Walnut Street 
Harrisburg, PA 17101 
rbowra at dcls.org <mailto:rbowra at dcls.org>