The West Des Moines Public Library is partnering with the Polk County Health Department to be a pick-up location for free gun locks. Patrons do not need to have a library card in order to pick up a free gun lock at the Accounts and Checkout Desk or Children's Desk.
These free locks are provided thanks to the Polk County Health Department's Talk It Up, Lock It Up campaign which educates Polk County residents about gun safety. According to the Polk County Health website, guns are the leading cause of death for children and young adults in the U.S. and are the second leading cause of death for children and young adults in Polk County.
What Can We Do?
- Normalize the conversation about gun safety and safe gun storage practices. Talk to your family, friends, and parents/adults of places where your child spends time.
- Reduce access to guns by using safe storage practices. This reduces the risk of both self-inflicted and accidental gun injuries.
There are many places around Polk County (including the WDM Library) that you can get a free gun lock. See the full list here.
We will also be hosting the event "BeSMART About Gun Safety" on Wednesday, October 4 from 7:00 - 8:00 PM. There will be gun locks and other resources available for attendees to take home with them after the event.
View all of Polk County Health Department's Talk It Up, Lock It Up online resources here.
