Christmas tree banned from public library allegedly after 'people were made uncomfortable' by it last year

A Christmas tree isn't going up in a Massachusetts public library this season allegedly after "people were made uncomfortable" by "looking at it" last year.

What are the details?

Lisa Desmond, a branch supervisor at the Dedham Public Library, said last week on Facebook that "I found out today that my beautiful library will not have [its] Christmas tree this year. Zero explanation. When I asked I was told 'people' were made uncomfortable last year looking at it. I’m sorry WHAT?"

Desmond said in the comments section of her post that the library director made the decision; WBZ-AM said the director is Amber Moroney.

Desmond added that in her 28 years at the library, she's "never heard a negative comment. We have celebrated and included everyone in our community. In fact, I was asked to emcee Juneteenth this year. What an honor. Those who know me and my family know we celebrate Christmas Hanukkah. My Muslim friends and Western Indian friends invite me to their celebrations. What an amazing gift. ... Those who know me know I lead with positive intentions. I’m not feeling very positive today. Please bring Christmas back to my beautiful library. And always lead with love in your heart."

'For a motherf***ing Christmas tree'

Desmond added another post Tuesday with screenshots of a profanity-laced rant on a local Facebook page against her and her issues with the Christmas tree cancellation. The poster — whom Desmond said works for a local human rights commission — said Desmond is a "selfish, f***ing bitch who does not care about anyone else but herself. For a tree? A motherf***ing TREE? You have put people's lives in a lot of danger. A lot of danger. For a motherf***ing Christmas tree."

The post also read, "I hope that you — who claim to believe in Christ or whatever happy horses**t you're trying to hide behind — are the least gracious, most hateful, most disgusting trash in the world. Is this what you think your magic sky daddy wants?"

Desmond noted that "police have been notified" in regard to words in the aforementioned post.

She also said the Board of Library Trustees is meeting Tuesday and encouraged residents to make their voices heard about the controversy: "If you can’t make it, a letter to the board might help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. However you celebrate, I wish you and your family love and peace."

This story has been updated.