Residents of Læsø Island face library closure as safety concerns rise in Denmark

Residents of Læsø Island must take a ferry to Frederikshavn if they wish to use a library, as the island’s only library has been closed for several months. Mayor Tobias Birch Johansen expressed his disappointment, stating, “I am very frustrated that we now have to compromise on what we pride ourselves on—namely, safety and calm behavior on our island.”

The library closure follows repeated harassment of library staff by a male resident, who has previously made threats against the municipality’s director and is already under police investigation. The library will remain closed until the municipality ensures the safety of its employees. Mayor Johansen emphasized, “The most important thing for me is that our staff can come to work without living in fear.”

There is currently only one rural officer on the island, which Mayor Johansen believes is insufficient to maintain order. He mentioned efforts to engage the North Jutland Police for assistance to remove the individual causing trouble, but these efforts have proven challenging. The police have stated that they are unable to comment on the ongoing investigation at this time, but they are looking into the matter further.

Mayor Johansen criticized the impact of these incidents on Læsø’s reputation, stating, “We are, unfortunately, compelled to compromise on safety and calmness, which are key attributes that make us attractive.” During this period of closure, residents can still borrow books by ordering them online, and the library also serves as a school library for the island’s only school, allowing students to borrow books during school hours if accompanied by an adult.