Fentanyl Smoke and Syringes in Ceilings Threaten Safety at Portland’s Public Libraries

PORTLAND, Ore. — Open displays of drug abuse and mounting homelessness are woven into the fabric of Portland’s inner-city, insidious tentacles now reaching into areas long regarded as safe sanctuaries – the public libraries of Multnomah County.

The restrooms of public libraries, particularly the Central Library situated on a tree-lined avenue in downtown Portland, have become the place to administer drugs away from prying public eyes, even though the Portland Police Bureau says it undertakes regular drug enforcement missions around the Central Library.

Library workers complained and Multnomah County responded by asking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to undertake a health hazard evaluation. That was in 2022, and in May last month the results were released in a report entitled ‘Occupational Exposure to Illicit Drugs Among Library Employees.’

According to the report, ‘some of the concerns were related to smoke exposure from patrons using illicit drugs in the library restrooms.’

Fentanyl is the Most Commonly Used Opioid in Library Restrooms

Fentanyl was the most commonly suspected illicit drug, and interviewers learned that smoking the opioid was the most common practice in the restrooms. Fentanyl can be inhaled, injected, swallowed, or used as a skin patch.

Of 34 employees who reported an incident, 19 said they experienced symptoms during or shortly after exposure to the drug. A range of non-specific symptoms was reported, with headaches the most common complaint.

Library Workers Fear for Their Safety

The majority of employees interviewed – 65 – expressed concern for their safety in the workplace, believing they are likely to experience violence due to the use of opioids in the libraries.

The ventilation system was not working in one of the three libraries the CDC examined, and an inspector reported finding a syringe stuck in the ceiling.

‘None of the restroom exhaust fans worked in one of the three libraries evaluated. Of 41 incidents described, 28 occurred in or near a restroom.’

Multnomah County libraries have an overdose policy and each location has a Narcan kit to reverse suspected overdoses. Staff also have access to gloves and masks.

Among the recommendations made by the CDC is that ventilation systems in library restrooms must be upgraded; additional training must be given so that employees know how to respond to incidents of illicit drug use; and employee feedback must be used to improve safety, health, and well-being.

Multnomah County has 19 libraries with 500 workers serving 800,000 readers.