BOSTON — In the wake of several separate incidents of disruption and hate at local libraries, dozens of library workers and patrons held a “Fill the Library with Love” rally on the steps of the Boston Public Library at Copley Square Saturday afternoon.
They said the gathering is a way to begin the healing process and stand up to hatred and bullying. It allows for the support of staff and patrons who have been through these attacks and shows love for the safe space that the library offers our community.
In three separate recent incidents, a group that is opposed to masking, vaccines, and diversity came into children’s rooms at the Central Library and the Hyde Park Library to protest COVID protection measures.
Some protesters stayed for hours outside the library, to help support the staff.
“I just got very angry. I said I won’t go into Boston for many things now but I will be here for the library because the library saved my life when I was a kid, by learning, by education, by being a safe place,” a protestor said.
Maty Cropley, with the Boston Public Library Professional Staff Association, told Boston 25 news that many librarians’ job has been challenging these past two years, and these incidences have made it extremely stressful.
“It’s very challenging and rattling when trying to your job and it’s disrupted with people who make the space unsafe for others,” said Cropley.
Rally organizers said they would like to see an emergency plan and more safety measures in place for libraries to protect staff and patrons.
“The most important thing is safety, we try to make a baseline of safety for the most vulnerable people that come into the library,” said Librarian.
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