Massachusetts Library Looks To Private Security Following Violent and ‘Dangerous Teen Behavior’

Credit: Somerville Public Library

The City of Somerville in Massachusetts is currently in the process of interviewing private security companies in the wake of “dozens” of incidents, some violent in nature, involving dangerous and reckless behavior by teenagers frequenting the public library.

The decision to strike a contract with a private security company was made after a permanent police presence at the library was attempted, but unsuccessful, according to Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Neha Singh on September 12th while addressing councilors, as reported in a Cambridge Day article.

“The city plans to choose a private vendor whose security guards will be in the library during the hours teens are let out of the neighboring high school. Neha Singh, director of intergovernmental affairs for the mayor’s office, said the city is interviewing companies with crews trained in de-escalating stressful situations.”

The library branch has had to adjust its hours to prevent violence and ensure the safety of its staff and patrons, which has inconvenienced residents who rely on the library for work and educational needs. The city hopes that by hiring an experienced private security vendor, they can eventually restore the original hours and tackle juvenile misbehavior with the assistance of the Somerville Police Department. But city officials have referred to the hiring of private security as a “short-term step.”

Credit: Google Maps

CBS News reports that the Somerville Municipal Employees Association told WBZ-TV that patrons have been threatening staff and even setting off fireworks in the library. Some have even witnessed open drug use.

The union also cited an incident that occurred back in July 2024 where a man was brutally beaten by a group of 8-12 people outside and when the victim ran into the library for help, he was followed by the violent mob, which continued to assault him while he was bleeding on the floor. The victim was shielded by library staff as the group hurled books and screamed profanity at them.

Somerville Councilor Matthew McLaughlin said he remained baffled as to what assets private security could bring to the problem. “I don’t think there’s too many private security groups out there that have more training and experience than a police officer. Maybe they’re more available, but they’re not here right now. And if it’s an optics issue, then I would just point out that there’s a very sore history of private security in America as well,” McLaughlin said. “You can google ’Pinkerton.’”

The city has installed security cameras compatible with the city’s systems, “hoping that that would be a deterrent for the behavior that we’ve encountered,” said Cathy Piantigini, director of libraries.