A library has been considering giving staff body-worn cameras after more than 50 anti-social behaviour incidents, including an assault on a librarian, took place over the past three months.
Essex County Council said there had been repeated behaviour, which ranged from vandalism to abuse, by groups of young people at Colchester Library.
A security guard has also been hired to deter the behaviour, the council said.
Essex Police has been investigating the assault.
The council said the behaviour also included books being thrown around the library and shouting in quiet reading areas.
Mark Durham, the authority’s cabinet member for the arts, heritage and culture, said: “It is completely unacceptable that our dedicated staff at Colchester Library should have to face verbal abuse, vandalism and now assault simply by going to work.
“Libraries are places of learning which people should always feel safe to visit. This includes families, the elderly and vulnerable residents, many of whom take part in activities, classes and clubs organised at our libraries.
“We will work tirelessly with library staff, Colchester City Council, Essex Police and Colchester Business Against Crime (COLBAC) to put a stop to these incidents.”
