Somerville Library closes after school over ‘teen behavior concerns’

Somerville students may be back in school this week, but they probably won’t be spending much time at their local library when they’re finished with classes.

Somerville Public Library announced that starting on Sept. 3, the first day of school for students, its Central Library branch on Highland Avenue will temporarily “implement a modified afternoon schedule.” 

The branch will be closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m. and will close from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. The weekend schedule will remain unchanged, the library said.

The library is next door to Somerville High School, which ends class around 2:30 p.m. and has early dismissal on Wednesdays.

In a statement, the city said there have been “repeated situations that raised concerns about the safety of library staff and visitors.” 

“These challenges prompted us to take precautionary measures and temporarily adjust hours to ensure a safe environment for everyone,” the statement said. “The focus remains on creating positive solutions and interventions.”

The library said its other branches’ hours are not affected and students can use the high school’s library until 4 p.m.

In July, a man was attacked by a group of juveniles in the afternoon outside the library, according to Somerville police logs. According to the SPL Board of Trustees meeting minutes, police have responded to multiple incidents in the teen room. 

In February, the mayor’s chief of staff met with representatives from the library, high school, and police department to discuss “teen behavior concerns.” The incidents continued in April and May, and staff training included a presentation about deescalation, according to meeting notes.

Ben Ewen-Campen, the president of the Somerville City Council, weighed in on the closures on social media. He said the closures are “driven by an ongoing pattern of serious, disruptive, and sometimes dangerous occurrences.”

“Some of these events have really shaken staff and members of the public,” Ewen-Campen wrote. “These issues are not new, but this year has been different and far more challenging than previous ones.”

The library said they will install cameras and hire a social worker to help “de-escalate issues and connect patrons of all ages with supportive services as needed.”

“Our priority is to return to normal library hours as soon as possible, and we are committed to implementing measures that will ensure the Central Library remains a safe, inclusive, and vibrant space for everyone,” the library’s statement said.

In Brockton, a Starbucks near the high school is closing its dining room after school to deter loitering teens. Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan said the coffeeshop chain should be fully open to customers.