The Oak Park Library bathrooms have been vandalized on a weekly basis since the beginning of September 2016.

Due to the reoccurring vandalism in both its men’s and women’s bathrooms, the library is set to enforce stricter policies for restroom use.

“Someone has been leaving feces on the countertop in the men’s room and throwing paper toilet seat covers all over the floor in both bathrooms,” library manager Hazel Dunlap said.

According to Dunlap, there are currently no leads as to who is committing the vandalism.

Since September, the frequency of incidents has decreased. The staff was first made aware of the vandalism following complaints from the janitor.

“The janitor didn’t want to clean it, and I don’t blame her,” Dunlap said.

According to Dunlap, the bathrooms are currently open to the public; however, with the incidents occurring once or twice a week, the bathrooms will have to be locked in the afternoon to prevent large groups from going in at a time.

The library staff has currently posted signs in both restrooms warning that, due to the vandalism, bathroom users will soon require a key to enter.

“We’re trying to get locks put on the door and each person will sign in to use the bathroom one at a time,” Dunlap said. “[Students] will have to show their school ID so that we know for sure it is that person.”

According to junior Yui Sato, the new library policies have had mixed reactions.

“I think it’s a good idea to enforce the lockdown of the bathrooms, but because the library is public, so many people come and go. It’ll be a hassle to have to sign-in and give the staff your name just to use the restroom,” Sato said.

The new bathroom system also inconveniences the library staff.

“We need two staff members at the desk as opposed to one, so that one person can keep an eye on the bathrooms,” Dunlap said.

The recent incidents of vandalism have even caused problems for local businesses and organizations that use library facilities after hours.

“We have to keep those bathrooms clean because we have organizations who come in the evenings to use our conference rooms,” Dunlap said. “They have the right to a decent bathroom.”

In the past, library staff have witnessed rocks thrown at its windows and branches stuffed in its toilets. Such antics are hardly harmless, however, as the library must spend money to fix any damage caused by vandalism and pranks. Even clogging toilets can cost up to $400 of damage.

In accordance with the California Vandalism Law, any damage totaling $400 and above is a felony crime, while any damage below that cost is a misdemeanor. Following the beginning of the school year, many library pranks have been bordering the felony price.

“This year, pranks have been getting more and more serious and expensive,” library staff member Rose Galvez said. “Things have changed, which is really too bad.”