Solidarity with Somerville Public Library Employees

The Boston Public Library Professional Staff Association (PSA) stands in solidarity with Somerville Public Library staff speaking out against the City of Somerville administration’s mishandling of harassment allegations at the West Branch Library. Recent revelations highlight a systemic failure to protect staff and patrons, perpetuated by inaction and complicity at the highest levels of city governance.

Despite years of meticulously documented complaints from library employees and patrons, supported by the City of Somerville’s own Human Resources investigations, the administration chose to reinstate an employee who has been found in violation of the City’s Equal Opportunity Policy. This decision subjects employees to retaliation, harassment, and intimidation & forced multiple employees to resign out of fear for their safety. By reinstating this employee, the City has not only failed its employees but also places library patrons at risk. This undermines the community’s trust in City leadership and jeopardizes the safety of the entire community. 

The BPL PSA condemns Mayor Ballantyne’s actions and calls on her to end harassment and abuse at SPL. This includes adequate disciplinary action against those perpetrating abuse, protecting employees from further harassment, and offering the staff members forced to resign a chance to return to a harassment-free West Branch Library. Harassment and abuse in the workplace should never be tolerated, and these allegations must be addressed promptly and with the seriousness they deserve.