At the beginning of this summer 2025, STORY 727 became aware of an alarming situation at our local library involving an excessive number of unsupervised children.
We witnessed library staff members approach city council with serious concerns about safety, requesting additional resources and assistance for the children who are being dropped off at the library daily.
Despite these pleas, no meaningful support has been provided.
Near the end of our six-week summer camp session, we connected with librarian Donnie Williams Jr., who explained the severity of the situation. Every day throughout the summer, numerous children are dropped off at the library during its full operating hours—from 8 AM to 5 PM or 8 PM, depending on the library’s schedule.
During this time, Mr. Williams explained, there are no programs or structured activities for these children. They must simply comply with library rules to remain inside, protected from the hot weather and unsafe street conditions.
These children come from families with very limited or fixed incomes, and their parents have no other alternatives for childcare. Parents are essentially telling their children: “Please remain quiet while I’m at work so you’re not kicked out. You’ll be safe from outside weather elements, and you can spend your time using the Wi-Fi or engaging in video games like Fortnite and Minecraft.”
Unfortunately, incidents involving weapons and fights have occurred inside the library. In response, STORY 727 has stepped up to work with supervisor Amelia Zimmerman and Mr. Donnie Williams Jr. to plan meaningful engagement and interaction programs for these youth.
What’s particularly troubling is that the city is aware of these children’s needs. According to Amelia, the city’s free feeding program visits once a day, providing these kids—who are at the library from 8 AM to 8 PM—with just one meal before leaving them to fend for themselves for the remainder of the day.
While funds have been allocated to various places throughout the city, we have truly neglected our children and seniors when making decisions that could reduce recidivism and violence. The echoes of violence continue to reverberate throughout our community walls, yet city council continuously asks the community for assistance, wondering how we can come together to build and heal our communities.
These same children we encounter at local grocery stores, barbershops, salons, gas stations, malls, and parks deserve love, comfort, and care just like our own children. They cry out for help but are consistently abandoned by the systems meant to protect them.
We must ask ourselves: Would you rather interact with youth who feel loved and supported, or with those who cry for help and are always abandoned?
STORY 727 stands ready to be part of the solution, but we need community support and city resources to make a meaningful difference in these young lives.
Sincerely,
Eric Jackson, President of STORY 727
Email: youthstory727@gmail.com
Website: story727.org
Phone: 727-303-7482
