More Vandalism at Library Prompts Discussion of Cameras

The Montville Library Board of Trustees is ramping up efforts to improve library safety in response to ongoing incidents of vandalism.

The response comes after several incidents took place in the main library building and Pio Costa annex on Mar. 30. According to police reports, graffiti containing anti-Semitic symbols was found written on tables, a wall and piano keys. Additionally, a shelf of books was wrapped in duct tape and had similar graffiti written atop it.

The same day a staff member’s coat was cut with an unidentified sharp
instrument and discarded outside the library.

Montville Police Capt. Ed Rosellini and Det. Andrew Caggiano consulted
with the library board at their emergency meeting on Apr. 5. They made
several recommendations to help identify those responsible and to create
a safer environment within the library.

Roselinni asked if all persons visiting the library can be directed to use a sign in sheet while also suggesting a uniformed police officer be stationed at the library during the hours of 2-6pm when many disciplinary problems take place due to an influx of young people at the library.

The primary recommendation from police and other library personnel is the installation of security cameras. Rosellini said the police would assist with placing the cameras in the best position for optimum coverage.

Thomas Mazzaccaro, Library Board Treasurer, expressed doubt towards
the amount of protection cameras can give.

“How can we see everywhere in the library, “ he said. “What if something happens off camera?”

Caggiano said that even one camera could have an impact.

“With one camera up close near the entrance, you can get a good look at someone to identify them, in other parts of the library we can have one camera cover lots of space and identify the individual by clothing,” he said.

Howard Chesler, Library Board President said the camera acquisition would
be discussed Apr. 11 at the Community Budget Presentation.

Also at the emergency meeting, Interim Library Director, Allan M. Kleiman, presented his security survey. A brief report designed to identify library security problems and recommend solutions for them.

His primary recommendation, (after the installation of security cameras) is the addition of a safety and security officer to library staff that can monitor visitors and property during afternoon hours when unruly children fill the library.

He suggested many preliminary improvements as well that include staff panic buttons, door buzzers, PA systems to allow communication between the Pia Costa annex and main building, removing the large computer table that attracts students looking to socialize and computer software that requires a login that is received only after receiving a library card.

According to library staff members who prefer to remain anonymous; disciplining children is always a grey area because of the potential backlash from parents.