Somerville's Central Library returned to its regular operating hours earlier this month. This resolved a highly-publicized and controversial five-week ordeal that saw the main branch of our library system close on weekday afternoons around release for Somerville High School and Next Wave / Full Circle next door on Central Hill. The Administration's announced plan to ensure acceptable working conditions for our City staff and an appropriate environment for library patrons of all ages included:
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installation of security cameras in strategic locations
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private unarmed security trained in de-escalation, CPR, and first aid on hand at specific times
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hiring an on-site social worker to serve library patrons
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additional programming for all ages, including crafts, music and more
I stopped by the Central Branch last week and spoke with our Library staff about how things had been going in the first week back on regular hours. The good news was that things seemed to be much improved and the measures put in place seemed to be working. The update I got was that the hiring process was underway for the social worker, so I look forward to that crucial part of the announced plan getting off the ground.
I've written previously about that decision, as well as the situation at the Central Library that led to this move, the factors that contributed to this, and where we should go from here short, medium, and long term. All of that still holds true. It never should've gotten to the point it did, so we all should be resolved to prevent that from ever happening again by being proactive in addressing the needs of our youth.
I'll continue calling loudly for more spaces, programming, and adult mentors for young people in our city. This is the way forward and I'm hopeful we'll see progress on multiple fronts there in the coming months. In the meantime, I'm glad the Central Library once again is open for my kids and their peers to use on weekday afternoons, and I'm appreciative of our library staff for all they do.
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