It was only supposed to remain closed for a week. But it never reopened. In Maurepas, a popular district of Rennes battered by violence and drug trafficking, the municipal library has been closed for almost two months, Rennes Infos Autres revealed. When contacted, the city confirmed that its establishment has still not reopened. A decision taken “in consultation with its agents” who are concerned for their safety and that of their public. Because for several months, the neighborhood has been plagued by violent armed score-settling.
The library closed on October 29, a few days after the shooting of a 5-year-old child and the death of a young man stabbed in the neighborhood. The origin of this violence is clearly established: rival gangs compete over the sale of cannabis, cocaine or other synthetic drugs and do not hesitate to talk to each other, guns in hand.
Since these events, the police have increased their raids. According to Rennes public prosecutor Frédéric Teillet, 22 people suspected of being involved were incarcerated. A 16-year-old boy suspected of having shot the 5-year-old child was notably indicted for attempted murder. In the district, where the Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau had visited, calm seems to have returned. But residents remain deprived of their library.
Work to “improve building safety”
In a laconic press release, the city headed by Nathalie Appéré explains that it has set up events “organized by the library” in different places in the neighborhood and that the staff remains available for reading advice. But reception remains closed. Until when? “The library teams are actively working to reopen the equipment within the Marbaudais associative center. Work to improve security and reception within the building is planned,” promises the city. According to the municipality, other public services in the neighborhood remain open.
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