All clear at Durham Library following reported bomb threat

Durham police responded to a reported bomb threat at the Durham County Main Library on Saturday morning.

An anonymous person emailed a bomb threat against this library to a news station in Charlotte.

At around 10:34 a.m., police officers arrived to the 300 block of N. Roxboro Street, where an anonymous caller had informed the library of a threat.

Customers and staff evacuated to safety.

"Very disappointed, devastated, hurt, just to know that an institution like the library that is here for all, that someone would extend a threat of that nature and just disrupt something as simple as simple programs for kids and adults," Tammy Baggett, Library Director said. 

DPD officers and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office’s bomb dog will be conducting a search of the entire building, and was given the all clear.

“I’d like to thank our Durham local law enforcement partners and other emergency responders including Library Security for their work to ensure the safety of our staff and customers, who responded with grace during this emergency event. Also, a special thank you to Missy Lane’s Assembly Room in downtown Durham for opening their doors to staff for accommodations as needed,” Baggett said.“I would also like to extend my thanks to other county agencies and to our staff for their work to keep the community safe.”

The threat specifically targeted one of Saturday's library events hosted by Rainbow Collective for Change.

That group says it builds safe and equitable spaces for LGBTQ+ and gender diverse children and families.

Durham County Main Library will remain closed for the remainder of Saturday reopening Monday,

REMOTE

We spoke with the director of this library who said threats against public libraries are becoming more common all across the country.