THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 5, 2025 ~ Guest Op-Ed ~ Page 13 Ward 4 Councillor addresses Malden Public Library Trustees concerns By Ryan O’Malley Dear residents of Malden, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your patience and steadfast support during this time. Your trust and encouragement have been invaluable, and I remain fully committed to keeping you informed and engaged as we navigate this process together. Recently, I have taken decisive and necessary steps, both legal and non-legal, to safeguard public assets held in trust for the benefit of the people of Malden by the Trustees of the Malden Public Library. These actions were not only essential but also reflect an unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the public good. At every step, I was advised by the Malden City Solicitor’s Office on the correct steps to take to protect the public interest in the public property located at the Malden Public Library. Additionally, I was informed by the recent determination by the Attorney General of the Commonwealth that the Malden Public Library is a public entity subject to the Open Meeting Law. Did you know that the current Trustees and Library Director claim that the Malden PUBLIC Library is a private entity unaccountable to the people of Malden? Did you know that the Trustees claim to spend 90% of their time buying and selling OUR PUBLIC ASSETS (e.g., precious art and historic documents) and claim to only spend 10% of their time managing the PUBLIC library? I spent months trying to obtain access to public documents such as meeting minutes, annual reports, and an inventory of the public assets held by the Trustees. For six months, I was stonewalled. For over a century and a half, the people of Malden through our Town and then City government, have contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the creation, expansion, and restoration of the Malden Public Library. We have also contributed priceless art, artifacts, books, and records to the library as our only functional archive. It has now come to light that the Trustees and Director believe that they alone own these public assets privately. It is an absurd proposition and, if allowed to stand, may represent the largest dispossession of public assets in the history of our community. Maybe the largest in the Commonwealth. As you know, this situation has been challenging, but it has also been revealing. It has brought to light the true character of those involved, and I believe this moment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity, fairness, and responsibility. These values guide me, and they will continue to do so as I move forward advocating for the protection of our beloved Malden Public Library. Let me be clear: the truth will prevail. I am confident that as the facts come to light, justice will be served. We the people of Malden will emerge from this stronger, more united, and more determined than ever to uphold the principles we have stood for since before the American Revolution. On May 27, 1776, the people of Malden declared “that if [the continental congress] should declare America to be a free and independent republic, your constituents will support and defend the measure, to the last drop of their blood, and the last farthing of their treasure.” The people of Malden were instrumental in the founding of our republic and would die defendSeptember is College Fire Safety Month Officials Emphasize Working Smoke Alarms and Two Ways Out S TOW–September is College Fire Safety Month in Massachusetts, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine is reminding students, parents, and others to be sure that their living spaces have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and that they know two ways out in an emergency. Massachusetts fire departments reported 2,491 fires in student dormitories, fraternities, and sororities in Massachusetts between 2020 and 2024. These fires caused five civilian injuries, 11 fire service injuries, and around $3.7 million in estimated damages. More than 90% of them were related to unsafe cooking, with unattended cooking the most common factor. “It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced chef or cooking for yourself for the first time – always stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking on the stovetop,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Set a timer if you’ve got something in the oven, and if you’re drowsy or impaired then order takeout. Falling asleep with food on a burner is a recipe for disaster.” More fires occur on campus in September than any other month, followed closely by October, and generally decline through the school year. Fire officials also share a concern about fire safety in apartments and other types of off-campus student housing, where two college students died in separate, unrelated fires in 2013. “Fire safety is one of the most important factors whether you live in a dorm, apartment, single-family home, multifamily dwelling, sorority, or fraternity,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Everyone should have working smoke and CO alarms on every level of their residence and know two or more ways out in case of an emergency. In the event of a fire, don’t waste precious time gathering personal belongings – get out, stay out, and call 911.” He also noted that fire safety precautions should remain in place through the entirety of the year. Windows, doors, and stairways should be clear of boxes, furniture, bicycles, and any other obstructions at all times. Fire doors should never be blocked. And, as required by law, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be in operation year-round. “If your rental doesn’t have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, insist on them,” State Fire Marshal Davine said. “Landlords are legally required to provide these vital safety tools. Check the manufacturing date printed on the back of your smoke alarms and replace them if they’re more than 10 years old. Carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced after five, seven, or 10 years, depending on the make and model. And test your alarms once a month so you know they’re working properly.” Working alarms, clear exit routes, and practicing a plan for using them are crucial for when a fire breaks out, but students can also take steps to prevent them from starting in the first place: • Smoking: There is no safe way to smoke, but if you must smoke then do it responsibly. Don’t flick them on the ground, where they can smolder and ignite debris, or grind them out on porches or steps. Use a heavy ashtray on a sturdy surface and put it out all the way every time. • Electrical: Always plug appliances like air conditioners and space heaters into wall sockets that can handle the current, not power strips or extension cords. Don’t overload outlets with multiple devices. • Heating: Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Never leave a space heater unattended. • Cooking: Stand by your pan! Don’t leave pots and pans unattended on a lit stovetop, and keep flammable items away from burners. In the event of a grease fire, smother the flames with a lid and then turn off the heat. Only cook when you’re alert, not when you’re drowsy or impaired. • Candles: Never leave canSAFETY | SEE PAGE 17 ing the republic from enemies foreign and domestic. It’s important to remember that republic comes from two Latin words: res publica. Res meaning things. Publica meaning public. Together, the things of the public. Now, is the time to help defend our public things - our public assets - OUR PUBLIC LIBRARY. To provide further clarity and address any questions, I will be holding a question-and-answer session on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. outside the Malden Public Library at 36 Salem Street. I look forward to speaking with you directly and continuing this important dialogue. Thank you again for standing with me. Together, we will move forward with the strength and purpose to ensure future generations of Maldonians have access to our history and public assets.
14 Publizr Home