Beside the two security officers in the Haddon Township branch, the main branch in Voorhees has three guards and each additional branch has one.

"I think it's a little weird. They never told you why. It made me a little nervous," said Carolyn Vandegrift of Haddon Township and a regular at the local library branch. "When I come into a library, I want to know my kids are safe. Is it because someone has a gun, or is it because people are stealing? They're very hush, hush about it."

Linda Devlin, executive director of the Camden County Library System, characterizes the change -- costing 3 percent of its $9.2 million budget -- as a sign of the times.

"While some might view such measures as intrusive or a breach of privacy, the (Camden County Library) Commission was unanimous in its decision to be proactive rather than reactive," said Devlin in an e-mail statement.

Vandegrift isn't satisfied, and she asks why the security staff only searches people entering the facility, and not as they're leaving.

County spokesman Ken Shuttleworth said officers check for "potential dangers" like weapons.

Handling violent and disruptive library patrons is a constant concern throughout the country, said American Library Association Director Loriene Roy. The security discussion formerly concentrated on safeguarding books, but the focus has shifted to providing protection for customers, Roy said.

Michael Perelman, a Pennsylvania-based consultant specializing in library security, said these facilities are susceptible to violence and vandalism like any public property. Library staffs, which are predominantly women, are exposed to possibly violent offenders, pedophiles or psychologically-ill people, Perelman said.

"Librarians aren't trained through their academic work how to deal with these issues," he said.

While Camden County has pushed for security officers, Burlington and Gloucester counties have not.

None of Gloucester County's five branches have security officers, although four -- Greenwich, Glassboro, Mullica Hill and Logan -- have or should receive cameras soon, said its county library director Bob Wetherall. There are no plans for cameras at the Swedesboro branch.

"I wouldn't criticize them if they feel (the officers are) necessary, but I'd much rather spend money on materials for people to use," Wetherall said.

Of Burlington's eight facilities, only its main headquarters in Westampton has a security officer because of high foot traffic, said Gail Sweet, director of the county's library system. There are no plans to add security cameras.

But at the Camden Free Public Library, director Theresa Gorman said officers have been a staple for nearly two decades. There is always one officer on duty while the library is open. She expects a security staff presence to be more common in the future.

Manuel Paredes, director of the Cherry Hill Public Library, agrees. His library doesn't have any officers, but he wants them. They're too expensive.

"It's just so we can concentrate on the jobs we do, and they can concentrate on the safety of the public," Paredes said.

Other residents using the Haddon Township branch had mixed feelings about the increased security presence on Thursday.

"I don't know if it's a good use of resources because I never felt uncomfortable in the library," said Sharon Montgomery of Haddon Township.

But library regulars Alexandria, 84, and Robert Young, 87, said the officers are a smart addition because the officers act as a deterrent to crime.

Reach the Metro Desk at (856) 486-2401 or cpmetro@courierpostonline.com.