Rockwell Falls Library Meeting Erupts as Deputies Called Over Heated Debate

Rockwell Falls Library Meeting Turns Heated as Community Awaits Reopening

LAKE LUZERNE, N.Y. – Tensions boiled over at Rockwell Falls Public Library Tuesday night as a long-awaited board meeting on its reopening took a chaotic turn. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene following what attendees described as a heated exchange that escalated into physical altercations.

According to Warren County Undersheriff Terry Comeau, deputies responded to the Main Street library around 6 p.m. to investigate reports of a physical altercation. Video footage shared with media outlets captured shouting in the hallway after the meeting ended, with witnesses claiming a man had struck another man and a woman.

This latest development is part of a larger controversy that has kept the library closed since September, following a wave of resignations from staff and board members who cited harassment and safety concerns.

A Library Without Leadership

The turmoil began after a contentious April meeting over the library’s plan to host a drag story hour. The event sparked heated debates within the community, with some arguing it was inappropriate for children and others defending it as a celebration of inclusivity and intellectual freedom.

The backlash resulted in the resignation of Library Director Courtney Keir and all but one staff member, leading to the indefinite closure of the library. Keir previously stated at a board meeting that harassment toward staff had "fallen on deaf ears" when reported.

Adding to the uncertainty, the Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) confirmed that three of the library’s trustee seats are now vacant, leaving the board without a quorum and unable to make decisions. SALS Director Sara Dallas attended the first portion of Tuesday’s meeting to present a slideshow on the appointment process for new trustees, explaining that the New York State Board of Regents is now responsible for selecting replacements.

“I’d love to see this library open as soon as possible to have this resource back,” Dallas said.

A Fractured Board and Leadership Exodus

The fallout from the April meeting led to a rapid turnover in leadership. Former trustee Kathleen Jones, who was elected in May, resigned on November 7, citing an ongoing hostile environment.

“I wanted to make sure that the library remained accessible to all, including marginalized people. I wanted to make sure that the intellectual freedom of the community was upheld,” Jones said.

Jones’ resignation followed that of Janet Silburn and Kathleen Mitchell, who stepped down in October, citing months of harassment and hostility. Trustee Pat Lewandowski resigned in June and was replaced by Jason Hall in September.

Now, only Hall and fellow trustee Josh Jacquard remain on the board. Jacquard did not return requests for comment, while Hall declined to speak on the matter.

Jones also revealed that library employees were subjected to harassment following the April meeting, including patrons commenting on their appearances or sitting and staring at them.

Board disagreements have stalled progress further. In October, the board voted against adopting a Patron Code of Conduct Policy and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which opposes censorship. Jones also said her recommendation for a new trustee was dismissed by Hall and Jacquard.

Meanwhile, public comments during recent meetings have included calls for book bans and requests to move certain books into adult-only sections. At an August 22 meeting, Jacquard argued with a SALS representative over a book that he claimed "teaches children about different ways to have sex."

“I stand by my reason to resign,” Jones said. “I knew with just the three of us remaining, nothing was going to be done.”

What’s Next for Rockwell Falls Public Library?

With only two trustees remaining, the library remains at a standstill. Until the Board of Regents appoints new trustees, it is unclear when, or if, the library will reopen.

The ongoing debate over intellectual freedom, censorship, and public policy continues to divide the community, leaving residents wondering when their local library will be restored.

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