Cleveland Libraries to Offer Free Gun Safes and Locks Starting in May
Cleveland libraries will give away free gun safes and locks starting next month, aiming to prevent accidents and unauthorized firearm access in the community.
CLEVELAND, OHIO — Multiple branches of the Cleveland Public Library will begin distributing free gun safety devices next month as part of a new pilot program aimed at preventing firearm accidents and violence.
The initiative, launching in May, will allow library patrons to pick up gun storage boxes and trigger locks at no cost when visiting participating branches. The program represents a collaboration between the library system and local violence prevention officials.
“Coming out to the library, you can grab a gun box and a book,” said Christopher Brewer, a Cleveland resident.
Three Library Locations Selected
The pilot program will operate at three Cleveland Public Library branches: Glenville, Lorraine, and Rice. Library CEO Felton Thomas Jr. said these locations were chosen based on “community need.”
The Cleveland Public Library is partnering with the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention on the distribution effort. The Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northern Ohio is funding the project and has already distributed hundreds of free gun safes across Ohio, following a successful launch in Cincinnati.
“I’ve already picked up my lockbox as well as my gun lock, and I am definitely taking them home,” said Cleveland resident Amiya Hutson.
Safety Concerns Drive Participation
Gun owners like Hutson expressed concern about recent news reports showing an increase in children accessing firearms. She said preventing unauthorized access to her weapon was a priority.
“I definitely do not want to be the one who, somebody came into my home and took my gun out and then killed people with my gun,” Hutson said.
The safety devices will be available to adults 18 and older while supplies last, with no identification required. Library officials emphasized that no firearms are permitted at any public library location and asked that weapons be left at home when picking up the storage devices.
Cleveland resident William Bufford called the program much-needed for community safety. “I’m gonna share this with my friends as soon as I finish my interview,” he said. “I’m gonna send my friends a picture and tell them to get down to their local library and grab one.”
Educational Component Planned
Each participating library location will host educational sessions connecting residents with local organizations and services focused on violence prevention and responsible firearm storage, according to library officials.
State Rep. Darnell Brewer (D-Cleveland), who is related to resident William Bufford, has advocated for mandatory gun storage requirements for years. “I have to react, and part of that reaction is making these small steps,” Brewer said during a recent interview.
Bufford expressed support for requiring lockboxes, echoing his relative’s legislative efforts. The program comes as communities across Ohio seek new approaches to reducing gun violence and accidental shootings involving unsecured firearms.
