Simsbury Library Pulls Controversial Sign Amid Jewish Outrage

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury Public Library officials were forced to scramble earlier this month when a display put up regarding the Israel-Palestine situation angered many in the Jewish community.

As a result, Simsbury Public Library Director Lisa Karim Miceli was forced to issue a public apology Dec. 10, with Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis thanking her for the response last week.

According to Miceli, a library staff member had put up a sign referencing the "decolonization of Palestine."

The Palestinian question and Israel have been an emotional issue for many on the heels of the October terror attacks by Hamas marauders from Gaza killing thousands of Israelis, with many being taken hostage.

But Israel's response and subsequent action in Gaza has claimed the lives of many Palestinians in Gaza amid worldwide calls for Israel to show restraint.

Amid that backdrop, the library's display angered many in the Jewish community who said "decolonization" isn't the accurate or appropriate term to describe what's going on over there.

Regardless, Micelli said all displays that go up at the library will require the approval of a direct supervisor before being exhibited to the public.

"We understand that the language was upsetting and harmful to many. Please know that was not the intention and we are well aware it was a poor decision to choose that specific reference," wrote Micelli via social media.

"We want to assure you that the display has been taken down. We will learn from this experience and continue to strive to be a space that welcomes everyone."

Last week, Mackstutis's regular first selectman report touched on the situation, with the town's top elected official calling the employee's action to put up the display a "poor decision."

"For anyone that saw the recent inappropriate sign display at the library last week, the library sends their regrets and apologies for the display," wrote Mackstutis on Dec. 18.

"It was quickly taken down. It referenced political thoughts on the Middle East conflict and included language that was upsetting and harmful to many."

That same night, the Simsbury Public Library Board of Trustees also addressed the matter, with many members of the local Jewish community in attendance to praise Miceli's quick action to take down the display.

At the meeting, Miceli said in her decades leading Simsbury's library, she's never experienced a staff member "posting a display that was insensitive and polarizing."

Miceli said the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford initially emailed the library seeking a meeting to go over the situation, but that meeting was deemed unnecessary once the library pulled the display.

For the minutes of the Dec. 18 Simsbury Public Library Board of Trustees meeting, click on this link.

For a copy of Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis' regular first selectman report, click on this link.