Bartlett Library board censures trustee after ‘unforgivable act of aggression’ at meeting

Bartlett Public Library trustees censured fellow board member Joseph A.J. Olsen Thursday for what they characterized as a history of disruptive behavior, including moving in a hostile manner toward two staff members last month.

Witnesses at the May 28 board meeting described Olsen getting up and rushing angrily toward Library Director Karolyn Wessel and Assistant Director Mallory Knapp while disputing the accuracy of monthly fund transfer information, making others concerned for the women’s safety.

His actions led trustees to immediately adjourn the meeting after just 13 minutes. Police were called, and Olsen was cited for disorderly conduct. He faces an adjudication hearing on July 15.

In addition to the citation, Olsen has been barred from using the library for six months. He’s allowed on site only to attend board meetings with a police escort.

At meetings Thursday and on June 4, other trustees made it clear they believed Olsen was moving threateningly toward the director and assistant director.

“What happened in this room last week was, in my view, an unforgivable act of aggression against this staff,” Trustee Jason Maloney said in the June 4 minutes. “And is exacerbated by the fact that this wasn't the first time Trustee Olsen has proven himself to be lacking the simple self-control to exist in this building in a reasonable, professional manner.”

He was referring to another outburst against Knapp Sept. 4 that led to Olsen’s library privileges being suspended for three months.

Olsen declined comment about the May 28 meeting because his citation is still being adjudicated. But his initial explanation is recorded in the June 4 minutes.

“I made the mistake of handing to each of the board members who was present a packet of information that outlined and supported the argument I was making,” Olsen said, according to the minutes. “I did not give one to Karolyn because she and I had been back and forth and you were all copied on the disagreement in terms of the transfers and so when she wasn’t getting what I was saying, I got up suddenly and handed to them what I had given to the rest of the board.”

While the censure urges Olsen to modify his conduct, he said Friday it would not influence his service.

The only section he disputed was a criticism that he personally contacted the library’s attorney and financial adviser on multiple occasions in violation of board protocols. Olsen admitted he has done so, but said so have other trustees.

Board President Peggy Deyne denied there could be more than an isolated instance of another board member reaching out to consultants in that way. She said the censure aims to restore staff’s feeling of safety while Olsen is present.

“We actually asked him to step down, but knew he wouldn’t,” Deyne said.

First elected to a six-year term in 2019, Olsen is now serving a four-year term that expires in 2029.