SUMMERSVILLE, WV (WOAY) – On Thursday, the Summersville Public Library made the public aware of an incident that occurred where a female patron began coughing on books and computers when she was asked to wear a mask.
Although no 911 call was made, the Summersville Police Department followed up on the Facebook post at the library on Friday and say that no criminal charges can be filed on the unknown woman.
Lieutenant Alec Anderson says the library confirmed no assault or threat of assault occurred and that she did not say she had COVID-19 which is what could have gotten her a terroristic threat charge.
“During the investigation, they said that there were no criminal acts, what I would refer to as assault or a terroristic threats. Nothing like that occurred,” he said. “It was more just a poor sense of humor that caused the library to close given the circumstances of course.”
As a result of the incident, the library has returned to curbside services only.
Summersville Police Department encourages patrons of any business to respect the guidelines that have been mandated.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Summersville Public Library is speaking out after a customer started coughing on the books, refusing to wear a mask when asked.
The library posted the incident on Facebook. They asked the patron to wear a mask because of the Governor’s order, the customer became agitated, took it off, and proceeded to walk down the aisles purposefully coughing on books, into the air, and on computer equipment. Before leaving, he became aggressive and verbally abusive to staff.
The library says for now they will return to curbside pickup only.
