Westchester library won’t let autistic man use kids room

IRVINGTON − Matt Maillet loves books. He loves music. And he loves libraries.

At age 31 with dual developmental disabilities, autism and Prader-Willi syndrome, Matt goes with his caregiver or parents to local libraries for children’s programs. A favorite has been the West Harrison Library. Their activities provide him entertainment and socialization opportunities.

But Kayla Brown, who supports Matt, said during a recent visit to the children’s room at the library branch that she was told Matt could not be in that area. A librarian said he would need to be in the adult section, and the library would provide children’s books for him to browse there.

This and similar age-restriction issues are likely to be faced by more families. One out of 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. has autism, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Daniel Maillet, Matt’s dad, called the restriction unacceptable. “I called the director and explained the issues,” he said, adding that the library branch has wonderful kids programs. But he said the librarian didn’t budge. “It was abrupt and it was callous,” Maillet said.

A change.org petition seeking support for Matt and other adults with disabilities, posted by Brown, was approaching 200 signatures by Wednesday. “We feel that the rules should be carefully changed to allow IDD disabled individuals with close monitoring by an aide to be able to participate,” the petition said.

Harrison Library Director Galina Chernykh and Harrison Library board President Andrea Mignone VieheNaess declined to comment about the situation, citing patron privacy.

However, in communication about the issue with Barbara Mahoney, an Irvington neighbor of the Maillets, Chernykh said that the library offered adult programs that are designed to be inclusive and accessible.

“Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated as we navigate the delicate balance between inclusivity and adherence to policy,” Chernykh wrote in a March 5 email.

According to the library’s website, children’s room regulations specify that the room and programs are for children ages 12 and under and those accompanying a child; someone accessing material only available in the children’s room; or someone developing curricula or researching children’s literature.

There are no restrictions for attending library events.

Peter Zummo, a retired lawyer in Erie County and a parent of a 25-yearold with autism, said the legal and practical questions are not necessarily the same.

“If the rule is enforced across the board, it may be legal. Segregating by age is not inherently illegal,” said Zummo, who serves on the executive committee of the New York Alliance for the Developmentally Disabled. “But it’s not a good look.”