Saugus library implements new safety measures following incident

SAUGUS – The Saugus Public Library has updated its safety measures in light of a recent incident that left one student locked inside while everyone else headed home.College student Lauren McLean was reportedly caught unaware last month when she looked up from an intense study session and noticed she was alone in the library.Pam Gill, co-chairman of the Library Board of Trustees, said in light of that incident the board decided to review its safety measures to make sure nothing like that would happen again. The Selectmen reviewed the measures during their meeting Tuesday.Chairman Donald Wong explained that 15 minutes prior to closing, the librarian would flash the lights as they have done in the past, not unlike last call at a bar. The librarian would also do a complete sweep of the upstairs and downstairs to make sure everyone knows the building will be closing. Wong said the second floor furniture has also been moved so anyone sitting up there would be clearly visible.”They’re also looking into round mirrors to help them keep an eye on things and their policy on unattended children will be strictly enforced,” he said.Bathrooms will also be checked and then locked 15 minutes prior to closing to prevent anyone from purposely or mistakenly being left behind.Gill said the incident with McLean, while not ideal, was not dire either.She said the college student who was studying for an upcoming exam was cloistered in a corner and was wearing headphones, which prevented her from hearing the closing announcement. Gill said she was also sitting in the sun, which is probably why she never saw the overhead lights flash.And all ended well.After taking stock of her situation, McLean reportedly decided to simply leave the building but set off the security alarms when she opened the doors. At that point she called the Police Department to explain what had happened and they sent a custodian over to make sure all was safe.Gill joked that there are worse places a person could get locked in.”The library’s not bad,” she quipped. “And it’s not like she was locked in and couldn’t get out. Once the door is locked you can still go out through the doors; you just can’t get back in.”