Middletown Library Letter Causes a Stir Following Trump’s Immigration Ban

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A letter posted at the Russell Library in the wake of President Donald Trump’s temporary immigration ban is causing some controversy around Middletown.

WFSB 3 reports that the letter has been viewed in vastly different ways.

The letter, which was posted last week at the library and on its website, was written by Russell Library Director and CEO Matthew Poland.

The full letter reads:

The public library reflects the best of the American ideal: a place where all people are welcome and safe to learn, create, express and explore in ways that better their lives.

Today, a great many people and communities are experiencing instability, discrimination and marginalization. As a nation we must address the enormous questions and challenges we face in pursuit of a more perfect union.

On behalf of every person who works at Russell Library, I offer these heartfelt sentiments to the people we serve:

• Russell Library is a safe place.
• You are welcome here.
• You are valued here.
• And we are here to serve you, regardless of how you look, what you believe, where you were born, what language you speak, who you love, your ability, your housing status or any other way that you identify yourself in this world.

The library has always been and will forever remain a place where people are free to live, be, think and speak their own truths. Please join us as we embrace this work with kindness, inclusion, respect and courage, even in the face of our differences.

Sincerely,

Matthew K. Poland

Library Director and Chief Executive Officer

Supporters told WFSB 3 that the letter was a great thing, however, others viewed it as saying that it’s a safe place for anyone, even if “you're a criminal, if you're a terrorist, if you're an illegal immigrant.”

Mayor Dan Drew said in a Facebook post that he stands “in support of Matt Poland and the Russell Library and so does Middletown.”

Drew also told the Middletown Press that the city is refusing to enforce the federal immigration law following Trump’s executive order.

He said that it’s not the city’s job to have local police enforce federal immigration laws.

Read the full WFSB 3 report on the library letter controversy here.

For the full story on the Middletown Press, click here.

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