For Immediate Release: 8/8/2024 9:18 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – An incident involving a patron occurred at the main branch of the Worcester Public Library this afternoon resulting in an early closure so that leadership could meet with and address library personnel. All Worcester Public Library branches will remain closed to the public Friday as staff debriefs.
The incident involved a patron who, unprovoked, struck a library staff member with a skateboard. Worcester Police responded and the patron was brought into custody. The staff member is receiving medical treatment, and their injuries are not believed to be critical. The library closed one hour early so that City Manager Eric D. Batista and WPL Executive Director Jason Homer could meet with staff to discuss the incident and staff concerns.
“The safety and security of all library employees and patrons is of the utmost importance. The administration has worked closely with library leadership to meet the changing needs of patrons and users of the Worcester Public Library, including the creation of a community resources department, which has been staffed with a community liaison, two security officers, and a social worker,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “In addition, staff has received training on trauma informed de-escalation techniques. That said, violence is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. The Worcester Public Library will remain an open and welcoming place for all members of the community, but this sacred space and those who operate it must be treated with respect, honor and dignity. The incident remains under investigation.”
