Police are stepping up foot patrols around the inner city after an assault inside the Dunedin Public Library on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the library over a fight between three males in the Teen Space area of the library just after 3pm.
Acting Senior Sergeant Chris McLellan said a 16- and 18-year-old, who had "loose connections" with a gang, were alleged to have challenged a 25-year-old to "step outside" for a fight.
The teenagers challenged the older man to a fight over his wearing the colour of a rival gang, despite the 25-year-old having no gang associations, Sgt McLellan said.
A library user had immediately alerted police.
A police foot patrol, several patrol cars and a St John Ambulance were sent to the scene and the three males were arrested.
While no-one was injured from the incident, the trio will be appearing in Dunedin District Court next week on disorder charges.
Sgt McLellan said police were increasing their presence on inner city streets in the lead-up to Christmas, including regular patrols of the library.
Dunedin City Council Library services manager Bernie Hawke said the library was often included as part of police patrols, and more patrols over the Christmas period would be welcome.
Despite isolated incidents in the past, the library was a safe place for people to visit, he said.
He acknowledged Teen Space had been the scene of several previous problems, often stemming from people lacking "social education" on how to behave in shared facilities.
The library had been proactive in using security staff to deter any such incidents, and broadcast classical music over speakers to deter youths from congregating in the plaza.
A 15-year-old was escorted by police to Wakari Hospital, following a minor disturbance in the library yesterday.
