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A Massachusetts library caused an uproar after refusing to put up its annual Christmas tree because it made some people uncomfortable.
Dedham Public Library has also avoided posting announcements of Christmas activities on social media accounts this year, citing only the “spirit of giving”.
Some called the move a “war on Christmas,” which seemed particularly unfair since the library is known to celebrate other special events, such as Pride week and June 16.
The Library Board of Trustees will meet for further discussion on whether to put up a tree on December 13.
Officials at the Dedham Public Library refused to put up its annual Christmas tree because it made some people uncomfortable. In the photo: a boy putting an ornament on the tree in December 2021
Many residents were outraged, saying they were not given an exact explanation as to why the tree was blocked. Pictured: Dedham Public Library
It is unknown how many complaints the library received from people who said they were offended by the traditional Christmas tree.
But many outraged locals have responded to the decision, saying it is especially disappointing for children who visit the library during the festive season.
Lisa Desmond, a library supervisor, was outraged when she was notified that the Christmas tree would not be put up this year.
‘I have never posted a negative post on Facebook. That is, so far,” Desmond wrote.
‘I found out today that my beautiful library won’t have its Christmas tree this year. Zero explanation.
“When I asked, I was told ‘people’ were uncomfortable looking at it last year. Sorry, WHAT? In my 28 years at the Dedham Public Library, I’ve never heard a negative comment.”
Desmond explained that library staff have worked to make people of all backgrounds feel comfortable while in the library.
‘We have celebrated and included everyone in our community. In fact, I was asked to emcee Juneteenth this year. That honor. Those who know me and my family know that we celebrate Christmas on Hanukkah.
‘My Muslim friends and West Indian friends invite me to their celebrations. What an amazing gift!
Desmond attached a photo of his son hanging an ornament on the tree last year.
‘Those who know me know that I lead with positive intentions. I’m not feeling very positive today. Please bring Christmas back to my beautiful library. And always drive with love in your heart.’
The library also halted annual Christmas activities that seemed to be going on last December, such as ‘Christmas Movie Mornings’, ‘Christmas Happenings: Crafts for Kids’ and ‘Holly Jolly Storytime’.
The library also halted the annual Christmas activities that appeared to be active last December. Pictured: Screenshots of the library’s Instagram posts from last year
This year, the library has referred to the Christmas season as the ‘Season of Giving’.
Some called the move a “war on Christmas,” especially since the library has been known to celebrate other dates, such as Pride week and June 16. Pictured: The library’s Instagram posts in June during Pride month
The Library’s Board of Trustees will meet to discuss the contentious issue on Tuesday.
Conservative presenter Todd Starnes called the decision not to put up a tree a “war on Christmas”.
He wrote: ‘The Dedham Public Library refused to put up the annual Christmas tree because it made people ‘uncomfortable’. The library had no problem hosting LGBT-themed events, but a Christmas tree went too far. Pull taxpayer funding from the library.
Library employees appeared to have widely celebrated Pride month in June with a series of LGBT+ related Instagram posts. An LGBT+ book club is also organized in the library once a month on Wednesday nights.
Dedham residents also expressed their fury on social media, blaming the removal of the beloved tree as part of “wake up” policies.
Dedham residents also expressed their fury on social media, blaming the removal of the beloved tree as part of “wake up” policies.
“I am personally outraged that there are no trees in Dedham Library this year,” wrote Matt Reyes.
‘Seriously, I used to drive by and see the rhododendron tree they planted out front and dedicated to my mother, a long-time town librarian and president of Friends Of The Dedham Public Library, but now you don’t see it for Nowhere. Waking up at its worst, I tell you.
However, some residents were more supportive of the measure.
One wrote: ‘I for one applaud this courageous action. It is high time that this hateful symbol of peace on earth and goodwill towards men be removed so that it cannot disturb and disrupt the lives of waking Dedham library patrons.
Meanwhile, a resident applauded the ‘brave’ decision
Dedham officials announced that the contentious issue has led to library staff being attacked and intimidated.
Dedham officials announced that the contentious issue has led to library staff being attacked and intimidated.
A statement read: ‘Unfortunately, a recent social media post expressing disagreement with the decision to display a Christmas tree in the library has quickly become a polarizing environment, leading to harassment and intimidation of library employees. city.
“We wholeheartedly condemn this behavior as it tears at the fabric of our community and cannot be tolerated.”
City officials concluded the statement by stating that they look forward to discussing the matter of whether or not the tree should be put up at a later date.
‘We strive to make Dedham a welcoming community for all, where differences can be celebrated, not attacked.’