Reading police investigating bomb threat at public library, town hall
Reading police are investigating a bomb threat made to the public library and town hall on Saturday.
According to authorities, around 9:46 a.m. a bomb threat was made to the Reading Public Library at 64 Middlesex Ave. and Reading Town Hall at 16 Lowell St.
The threat was made via email directly to the library, Reading police and fire said.
Reading police and fire responded to both locations and the Reading Public Library was immediately evacuated. Reading Town Hall is closed during the weekends.
After careful investigation with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, Salem Police and Endicott College Police, the threat was unfounded and there was no danger to the public.
The library will reopen on Saturday afternoon.
According to police, the threat was an attempt to disrupt a Pride event being held at the library, based on the email threat containing a thinly veiled reference to the event which was scheduled to begin minutes after the threat was received.
A similar threat was received in another community earlier in the week, according to law enforcement.
The incident left Reading with an opportunity for soul-searching -- and town leaders condemned the threat.
“I think it’s time for us to stand up and let them know that their words from yesterday aren’t going to define us,” said Select Board member Chris Haley
Patrick Burr, of the Drag Queen Story Hour’s Boston chapter, calls it ironic that those who protest LGBT people as dangerous to children would turn to something so traumatizing to kids as a bomb threat.
“I have seen protestors scream in the faces of families exiting a Drag Story Hour,” Burr said. “And it seems obvious to me that a bomb is far more dangerous a thing to have in a library than a drag queen.’
“The Town of Reading condemns acts of violence, disruption, and hate within our community and against our citizens. Everyone deserves to feel safe in Reading,” Town Manager Kraunelis said. “Our community is built on and strives toward inclusivity for all, and instances such as these will not be tolerated.”
Reading Police are actively investigating this incident as biased motivated crime.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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