Hi there,

There can be lots of reasons you might feel unsafe or uncomfortable in public. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to look after yourself and get some help.

The staff in your library are there to help, and that includes making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. Telling them that you’re feeling uncomfortable can help them to monitor what’s happening and help you if you need it. For example, telling them that you’re moving to another table because someone is making you feel uncomfortable will make them more likely to notice if this person then tries to sit with you again.

It can also help to do things to help yourself feel safer. Letting someone know when you’re going to the library and when you’ll be back or taking a friend with you can both help. When you’re not in the library, it might help to talk through a plan of what to do when you see this person. It can help to talk to someone you trust or get support from a Childline counsellor.

Whether you’re overthinking things or not, it can still help to share what’s happening. Talking about it can help you to feel more comfortable if there’s nothing to worry about, and it can help make you safer if this person is behaving inappropriately.

Take care,

Sam