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Kent Memorial Library Commission Debates How to Manage Growing Middle‑School Crowds; Some Oppose Police Presence
Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed reconstituting a task force and holding a special August meeting after reports that "as many as 50 to 60" middle‑school students show up on half‑days; public commenters urged nonpolice responses and asked for a management plan before school resumes.
Chair Greg Sparzo called the Kent Memorial Library Commission to order on June 9 in Suffield, where commissioners spent much of the meeting discussing how to address disruptive crowds of middle‑school students at the library after school and on half‑days.
Library Director Amy Vessella reported routine usage statistics, upcoming programs and staffing changes, including the resignation of the substitute clerk position. She also said the library’s renovated atrium had a successful grand re‑opening and noted that recent focus groups had low participation.
Commissioner Despina Tartsinis raised the most pressing concern: she said that "as many as 50 to 60" middle‑school students can show up on half‑days, and that their numbers have at times been disruptive. Commissioners discussed several nonfinal options, including reconstituting a task force used previously, inviting staff from Suffield Public Schools and Youth Services to participate, and considering whether police involvement should be part of a response. Director Vessella provided operational context but the commission did not take formal action on a response plan at the meeting.
During public comment, resident John Gracie urged the commission to assemble a middle‑school management program before the fall school year begins. Sandra Janik and Tess McCool urged the commission not to place police officers inside the library during periods with large numbers of students, framing the issue as a broader community and youth‑services concern rather than solely a library discipline matter.
Commissioner Denise Boutin suggested convening a special meeting in August so the commission and staff can develop options before the new school year. No vote was recorded on forming a new task force or authorizing police involvement; the meeting concluded with routine business: the minutes of the regular meeting were approved (tally recorded as 8‑0‑1), and the commission adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m.
The commission is expected to follow up on the proposed August meeting and on outreach to potential partners such as Suffield Public Schools and Youth Services to explore nonpolice management strategies.
