Somerville library resuming to normal hours with new security measures

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — A Somerville library is resuming its normal hours after employees were concerned about violence after school hours.

Somerville’s Central Library closed its doors at the beginning of the school year during certain hours after librarians said they were overwhelmed by disruptions and even violence from high school students.

According to the Boston Globe, the Central Library will be back to normal operating hours.

Private security will also be on hand to help enforce the library’s policies on behavior. Security cameras in and outside of the library

The mayor said the city is close to hiring a social worker to assist with at-risk adults and children at the city’s three libraries.

Somerville Schools is also working to expand after-school activities with adult supervision.

Ballantyne said of the immediate steps, “While we understand this change has impacted patrons, it is necessary to both break the cycle and to address the root of the problem with a range of interventions.”

During a Public Health meeting on Monday, city staff shared that earlier in the year they extensively worked with police to pilot having a police presence at the library.

“It did not have the deterrent effect that we had hoped it would have and it was the recommendation of our police department to not have a proactive presence but PD to respond to calls for service,” said Neha Singh.

City Councilor-at-Large Kristen Strezo told Boston 25 this has been a workplace safety issue for more than a year.

She said problems at the library have ranged from fights to someone putting fireworks in the book drop.

Strezo said everyone deserves to feel safe at the library, whether it be patrons or library staff.

“A librarian should never have to come home with someone else’s blood on their clothes from a fist fight that happened inside of a library,” said Strezo. She continued, “It shouldn’t have got to this level. I applaud the administration for moving fairly swiftly on this but the doors aren’t open yet so we’re still waiting.”

The Mayor said they are also expanding library programming.

They’re aiming to have the full hours reinstated by the end of next week barring any hold ups.

“We want to thank the community for its understanding and patience as we work to create a safe and welcoming environment for all,” said Ballantyne.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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