Shrewsbury Library Trustees Approve Unaccompanied Access for Fifth and Sixth Graders

SHREWSBURY — June 23, 2026 — Shrewsbury Library Trustees vote unanimously to let fifth and sixth graders visit unaccompanied on most weekdays and Saturdays. Teen Services Librarian Kaylee told the board that 248 teenagers came to the library on the last half day of school with no behavioral incidents and no patron complaints, citing the data as evidence the policy change is workable. The board approved the amendment to the child safety policy with a planned review at its December meeting; Fridays and half days remain restricted for the new age group. Shrewsbury Middle School Principal Kelling, who appeared before the board two months ago, has agreed to communicate the new rules and behavioral expectations directly to families. The board also welcomed a presentation from Form of Government Study Committee co-chairs Ben Rudolph and Mike Burns, who described their 18-month charge to examine Shrewsbury's governing structure — the first such review since the 1950s — and said conversion to city government appears unlikely based on discussions so far. The library announced that Julie Celularo will join as Library Manager for Adult Services on July 1 and acknowledged the recent deaths of former longtime trustees Fran Whitney and Dean Gillum.