Photo: James Rojas
SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Somerville Central Library will reinstate regular hours this Wednesday after previously cutting hours to avoid unruly high schoolers.
Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said last month that the library staff had safety concerns stemming from high schooler’s actions in and around the library.
Read More: Somerville's Central Library Considers Adding Security Guards
Since the start of the school year, the Central Branch of the Somerville Public Library’s has been closed for the two hours after Somerville High School lets out to counteract the commotion.
The closure caused student protests earlier this month. Some students were upset because they wanted to make the nearby library an after school hangout spot.
The students called for a new solution, while also acknowledging the ruckus that took place, including fights and bullying.
“There have been fights between high schoolers outside the library, and generally stuff that puts people using the library and library staff in danger,” said a student at the protest.
The library will now be open for normal hours but will also have security guards and surveillance cameras to curb the violence.
Some parents have mixed opinions about the new solution.
“Security sounds like a private form of policing and I don’t think that has a place in a public library,” said Damon Sidel, father of a Somerville High School student.
Still, Ballantyne said the new security features will “foster a safe and positive environment for everyone.”
WBZ’s Jeromey Russ (@JeromeyRuss) reports.
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