Cleveland Public Library to offer free gun safes and locks at 3 branches

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Public Library announced a pilot program on Tuesday to provide free gun safes and gun locks to community members.

The program, aimed at combatting gun violence, is in collaboration with state Rep. Darnell Brewer, the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention and the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland in Northern Ohio.

Beginning in May, free gun safes and locks will be available to anyone 18 or older at Cleveland Public Library’s Glenville, Lorain and Rice branches. These campuses were chosen based on gun violence statistics and community need, according to library officials. No appointment or ID is required to receive the items.

Those interested in receiving a gun safe or lock may not bring their firearms with them into the library.

 The library also plans to make educational programs available in order to connect residents with local organizations focused on violence prevention and responsible gun storage.

“Public libraries are safe and trusted places,” said Felton Thomas, Jr. Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “Active civic partners can play an increasingly significant role in protecting the public health and safety of our communities.”

Brewer, a Cleveland Democrat, said that the program is an alternative solution to combatting gun violence in his district after legislative efforts have fallen short in Columbus.

 “As state representative, I have been advocating for safe storage legislation, but due to current political control, these bills often do not advance. … We must find alternative solutions, and this is one that we are talking about today,” Brewer said.

 Similar programs have also been implemented at other public libraries across Ohio. Cleveland’s program is modeled after similar effort run by the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library in partnership with local law enforcement and community organizations.