A Massachusetts library is in the headlines after a Christmas tree was reportedly banned from the premises after the festive spruce made people “uncomfortable” last year.
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Lisa Desmond, branch supervisor at Dedham Library’s Endicott Branch in Dedham, said she was informed the Christmas tree simply wouldn’t be on display.
“I was told that, when people, I use the word people, walked in that room, it made them uncomfortable,” she told WBZ Radio.
The Christmas tree debacle made headlines after Desmond posted a complaint on Facebook earlier this month, noting she has never been “negative” on the platform but felt the need to speak out.
“I found out today that my beautiful library will not have it’s [sic] Christmas tree this year. Zero explanation,” she wrote. “When I asked, I was told ‘people’ were made uncomfortable last year looking at it. I’m sorry, WHAT?”
Desmond said she never heard a negative comment in her nearly three decades working at the library, and added everyone in the community is “celebrated and included.”
“In fact, I was asked to emcee Juneteenth this year. What an honor,” she wrote. “Those who know me and my family know we celebrate Christmas Hanukkah.”
Desmond said she is often part of others’ religious celebrations as well and views it as a gift. With that in mind, the Christmas tree removal seemed to perplex her.
“I’m not feeling very positive today,” she wrote. “Please bring Christmas back to my beautiful library. And always lead with love in your heart.”
Desmond’s reaction sparked debate over the tree, with many pining to see it in the library once more. Others, though, pondered whether a library is a proper place for a Christmas tree.
And at least one person launched into an expletive-ridden social media post claiming Desmond put people’s lives at risk with her Christmas tree advocacy.
“You are a selfish f***ing b**ch who does not care about anyone but herself,” the individual wrote. “For a tree? For a motherf***ing tree? You have put people’s lives in a lot of danger. A LOT of danger.”
It’s unclear how the situation has put people’s lives in danger, though the fiery claim certainly upped the ante on what should have been an even-keeled debate.
Desmond said the Board of Library Trustees is meeting Dec. 13 to discuss the matter and is encouraging people to attend or write letters.
A message left for the library director by CBN’s Faithwire seeking clarity on details of the purported removal — and the story more generally — has not yet been returned.
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