Sexual activity in library bathrooms cause for concern

By: Shaun Boutwell

Posted: 2/3/05

02/03/05 - The University of Rhode Island Library is currently taking steps to address the issue of alleged sexual activity and vandalism that has been occurring during the past few months in the men's bathrooms in the basement of the library.

"It's a very sensitive topic," Interim Dean of the University Library Chris Wessells said. "We are still considering what all of our options are."

The situation was brought to his attention, he said, when the female janitor in charge of cleaning the basement level of the library found an excessive amount of blood and semen in the stalls of one of the men's bathrooms.

"To have to deal with stuff like this... it's awful," Wessells said. "And it's been reoccurring. It's been going on for awhile."

In an effort to bring the problem to the attention of the entire library staff, Wessells addressed the issue during a faculty meeting in early December. Proposed solutions ranged from putting cameras outside of the facilities to locking the bathrooms on the bottom floor after 4 p.m., all of which were promptly turned down by Wessells.

One suggestion that is still being considered, however, is a flyer that would be displayed in the stalls of the bathrooms, although Wessells and other staff members said they are doubtful about how efficient it would actually be.

"Who in the heat of passion is going to read this lengthy memo?" Assistant Professor Librarian Andree Rathemacher said.

Wessells said that vandalism is also a problem. Holes are being drilled into the walls between the stalls, he said, to be used for sex. These holes are commonly referred to as "gloryholes."

Following the faculty meeting, Wessells said, "I asked Facilities [Services] to patch the holes, which was done last week."

The patches for the holes are made of stainless steel, he said. Wessells also asked Facilities Services to do some research and order stalls and doors much more resistant to vandalism, but said, "I have my doubts with Facilities. They don't really do anything in a timely matter."

"In talking to more experienced librarians, this is not uncommon," Wessells said. "In public libraries you can find even more extreme situations. In urban settings, drugs paraphernalia, syringes and used condoms are often found."

"I've worked in libraries for nearly 40 years," Professor Michael Vocino said. "Sex in libraries is a common practice by both heterosexuals and homosexuals. When I worked in a public library, one of the staff members found a heterosexual couple actually having sex in one of the upper hidden stacks."

"The URI library is a public place," Wessells said. "Anyone can use it. And because we are so open, it makes things difficult to police."

Wessells stressed that "education is key," and "informing folks that this isn't appropriate" are big priorities for him. He is currently considering the idea of having seminars about the issue in the library for students to attend.

"The main thing is we are seeking advice from leaders dealing with student issues," Wessells said. He is hoping to seek more input from the Department of Student Affairs, as well as the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Center.

"What I really want to stress," Wessells said, "is that we are still evaluating the situation for a graceful solution that doesn't impede on students' privacy."