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Brooklyn Takes Criticism for Closed BranchBrooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library officials came under fire at a town hall meeting April 19 for closing the Brownsville branch for one week after a staff member was injured breaking up a fight March 15. BPL called the meeting to address residents’ concerns about safety at the library, but wound up hearing complaints about the doors being shut, the New York Daily News reported April 21.“I don’t feel it was appropriate to close the library,” said City Councilwoman Darlene Mealy. “We need all the library resources we can get.” Basketball coach Carl Harrison said many of his student players wound up wandering the streets unsupervised when they found the doors locked March 17. “The kids were standing outside,” said Harrison. “There was no one here to tell them anything.” BPL officials revealed at the meeting that a day after the incident, one of the brawlers returned to the branch, where she tried to intimidate the already frightened staff. Human Resources Director Larry Jennings said the teen “threatened the rest of the staff that they would leave with nine fingers as well.” Two staff members transferred to another branch shortly afterward. Staffer Candice Demas lost part of one little finger when a door slammed on her hand as she helped break up an eight-girl fight outside. Posted April 21, 2006. |
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