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Easton board: library does not endorse rented events; harassment of librarians "will not be tolerated"
Summary
Following hostile calls to library staff over a rented room event, the Easton Board of Selectmen and library leadership clarified the library does not endorse events held in rented public rooms and said the library will collect renter contact information so inquiries are directed to organizers; the board condemned harassment of staff.
Lynn Zaffino, director of the Easton Library, told the Board of Selectmen on April 14 that the library does not endorse events held in its rented public rooms and that staff have received hostile phone calls about recent rentals. "Events held in the rented public rooms of the Library are not endorsed by the Library," Zaffino said, and the library will begin recording a contact name and phone number from each rentee and directing questions to that contact.
The move followed several public commenters who urged protection of librarians and noted that free speech remains allowed in the town. Selectman Nick D'Addario reiterated the board's position on staff safety: "harassment of town employees or volunteers will not be tolerated." Board members discussed but declined to have the library send a townwide email about rentee events because of prior backlash.
During public comment residents expressed a range of views: some thanked the board for addressing the issue and promoting continued civic engagement, one promoted an upcoming whistleblowing-kit event, and another said he had been blocked on social media and described that as an interference with his ability to communicate with others.
The library's new procedure—collecting and providing renter contact details to callers—aims to redirect questions and reduce harassment directed at staff. The board also urged residents to use direct communications (phone, email) to clarify concerns before escalating public posts or calls.
Board members closed the discussion by asking residents to treat town employees with decorum and courtesy and to bring substantive concerns to the board through appropriate channels.
