A group of schoolgirls has been involved in anti-social behaviour at Blairgowrie Library, according to a former librarian.
She alleges that staff at the library in Leslie Street are being subjected to a “constant stream” of abuse by the girls who, she claims, have also caused disruption to readers.
The former librarian, who wished to remain anonymous, contacted The Courier to express her concerns.
“The staff of Blairgowrie Library are being subjected to a constant stream of anti-social behaviour by a group of schoolgirls,” she said.
“They cause disruption to staff and readers. They are in most afternoons after school and on Saturday mornings.
“The staff have expressed concern to the library service and are allowed to ban the offenders for short periods of time, but they keep coming back.
“They persist with their behaviour.”
She continued: “I believe some staff and readers are at their wits’ end. It is not right that these girls should be allowed to run riot and intimidate members of the public.
“This has been going on for some time. I have certainly stopped going into the library because of them.”
The former librarian said some Blairgowrie Library staff have requested not to work on their own on a late shift due to anti-social behaviour.
She added: “I believe some have now left, but I’m not sure if this was one of the reasons. The library service has offered to send the staff on training.
“I know that my friends there are suffering because of the actions of these girls. They have been banned for short periods of time, but still persist in returning.
“It is not right that staff and readers who are going about their daily business should be subjected to these conditions. It must also put off the elderly who enjoy visiting the library.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said the local authority is dealing with the matter.
She said: “Perth and Kinross Council staff have the right to feel safe at work and we have measures in place to support staff in our libraries. We also work hard to ensure our facilities provide a welcoming and enjoyable service for all our customers.
“The council is already taking action in relation to the alleged incidents at Blairgowrie Library and will take further action if necessary.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland Tayside Division said she was not aware of any complaints made to them regarding the matter.