SOMERVILLE, MASS. (WHDH) - Somerville students won’t be able to go to the town’s central library after school.
The library is closing for a few hours in the middle of the day because of some bad behavior. City councilors said there has been a pattern of serious, disruptive, and sometimes dangerous incidents involving students.
“They won’t be dealing with issues like firecrackers being thrown in the book drop and firecrackers being thrown in the second floor,” Somerville City Councilor Kristen Strezo said.
Officials said staff and people who use the library are concerned for their safety.
A new sign is posted on the library’s front door with the new hours, starting on Sept. 3. The facility will be closed from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday except for Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, it will be closed from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Some people showed up to the library Friday, surprised to find out about the updated policy, but glad something is being done.
“It’s really interesting. I guess there’s a need for it, so I think they’re the ones making the right decision at this point, but certainly surprising so I hope it can be rectified soon,” one library patron said.
Others raised concerns about the planned closures.
“I think that’s problematic. A lot of people use libraries. Being new to the community, this is one of the first places I’m going to go to to look for resources and look for community, so I think it’s an important place, so the longer it’s open, the better,” another patron said.
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