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Queens librarians annoyed by dress code enforcement

By Brendan Browne

Angered by a recent reinforcement of the Queens library dress code, several of the borough’s librarians are raising their voices, irate that they are being asked to dress like the stereotypical straight-laced librarians of the 1950s.

The librarians contend that the library system’s decision in June to strictly enforce a 1993 dress code, which bans such attire as open-toe shoes, miniskirts and denim, is unnecessary and will infringe on their comfort while working.

“It’s like throwing us back into the 1950s. They want an ‘Ozzie and Harriet’ look,” said John Socha, head of the librarians’ union. “It’s been a total social change.”

Joanne King, a spokeswoman for the Queens library system and its 63 branches, said the dress code is simply being “restated” and has not changed at all.

“It is just to keep a business atmosphere, to keep a professional environment,” King said. “There is no new dress code,” only an enforcement of the existing one, she added.

The new enforcement, which started July 1, also prohibits ill-fitting or dirty clothes, Polo or rugby shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, midriff blouses, tank tops, halter tops, tube tops, and fleece. For footwear, sneakers, backless shoes, sandals, clogs, slides, and mules may not be worn.

The board of trustees of the Queens library system, which is the busiest in the country, also told librarians not to pierce visible body parts besides ears and also prohibited showing tattoos that represent violence or a political statement.

King said librarians who do not comply with the dress code will face progressive disciplinary action. First they will be given a verbal warning, followed by a few written warnings, and eventually they will be terminated, she said.

About 30 members of Queens Library Guild Local 1321 saw the situation differently than just a restatement of the dress code and gathered outside the borough’s main branch at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica July 31 to hold a rally against the rules.

Socha said librarians were most upset about the footwear rules, saying many female workers are particular about their shoes and have already bought many open-toe and backless shoes that they often wear to work.

“The union agrees with the library’s goal of having an appropriately dressed work force, but this Draconian and onerous policy is just not the answer,” Socha wrote in a letter to the library system. “What is wrong with denim dresses and skirts? What is wrong with fleece. What’s next?”

Socha also said the librarians complained that they were not consulted before the measures were put in place. They were told in June that the library system would be willing to discuss the changes, but the decision was final.

Reach reporter Brendan Browne by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or by phone at 229-0300, Ext. 155.