Hagatna Public Library vandalized overnight by library patron

Shattered glass littering the floor at the Hagatna Public Library early Thursday morning. 

A window at the entrance smashed with a small rock. 

Guam Public Library System director Kris Seerengan said the library was vandalized overnight by a regular library patron. 

“Last night at about 8:00 p.m., one of our regular library patrons was passing through and another library patron saw him throwing a rock at the window,” said Seerengan. 

He said when cops arrived in the morning, a library patron pointed out another patron as the one responsible. 

Seerengan noted both patrons are persons experiencing homelessness, as are many of the library’s daily visitors who are there to access much needed services.

“These are folks who come to our library everyday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., they stay here to use the library. I have no reason why he had to throw the rock at the window,” he added. 

The director acknowledged the crime could possibly have been a result of a mental health crisis, but said it’s up to the police to press charges due to the damages of government property.  

“He comes here regularly, he has a library card, he has identification and everything we have on file. So it's possible he may have some mental (health) issues. We don’t know,” he said. 

While the public library welcomes all patrons, Seerengan said, “An incident like this is not welcome here.”

Moving forward, Seerengan said library staff will be securing this seldom used entrance with shutters. 

He added they are also in the process of acquiring security cameras.