Newmarket library CEO apologizes for 'odour letter'
Todd Kyle concedes approach was wrong

YorkRegion.com
April 15, 2016
Chris Simon

Sometimes when you create a stinky situation, it's best to say you're sorry and try to move on.

Newmarket Public Library CEO Todd Kyle issued an apology, days after The Era revealed the facility's staff has been handing out letters to some patrons who have a strong odour. The letter, a copy of which has been provided by the library to yorkregion.com, asks the offending patron to "take steps to control this odour before your future visits to the library". It also notifies the visitor of the free public showers and laundry facilities available at the nearby Trinity United Church

About two copies of the letter have been handed out since it was created in January. But Kyle now admits that approach was wrong.

"Over the past few days, I’ve had a chance to really think about some of our recent actions to help make sure the library is a comfortable environment," Kyle said, in a statement published on the library website Thursday. "I realize that my approach wasn’t the best one and I am committed to improving it. I have chosen a career working in a library because I truly believe in what our programming and services can offer all members of the community. It was absolutely never my intention to come across as discriminatory or degrading to anyone, and for that, I am sorry."

Issues with individual patrons will be handled with "greater sensitivity" on a "case-by-case basis" from now on, he said.

Everyone is welcome at the library and the goal of the facility is to make all patrons feel comfortable, Kyle said.

The odour letter has gained national attention in recent days, with local homelessness advocate Tom Pearson suggesting it unfairly targets the financially disadvantaged people who regularly use the library facility. Other people also spoke out against the letter on social media prior to that, causing Kyle to take a hiatus from his Twitter account.

Kyle says the letter is not meant to specifically target the many homeless or at-risk people who often use the library facility. However, he admitted a local organization that deals with homeless and at-risk people was consulted before the letter was drafted.

He insists the letter can be distributed to anyone with a strong smell — whether that's due to body odour or an excessive amount of perfume. And several other libraries do kick out patrons for excessive odour — but he feels that measure is inappropriate.

The letter specifically mentions “complaints received” about "persistent, noticeable odour from your person that is affecting other users' enjoyment of library facilities".

However, anyone given the notice is not immediately asked to leave. Patrons are only kicked out of the library for behavioural reasons such as harassment, violence, excessive noise or anything that makes other users feel 'unsafe'. Any ban handed out is temporary, Kyle said.

When asked whether receiving a letter with the aforementioned wording would be embarrassing to the point of dissuading a person from returning, Kyle has admitted "that is possible".