WORCESTER, Mass. - A closed sign sat behind the glass at the Worcester Public Library after city leaders say a staff member was attacked with a skateboard Thursday.

Throughout the day Friday, many walked up to the doors hoping to get in, just to be turned away.

"It makes you think twice about letting your older children come here alone," Selena Lopez of Worcester said. "Let alone with a skateboard."

Lopez and her children were hoping to get some summer reading done ahead of the school year Friday, but were unable to after Thursday's attack on a staff member. 

The mom of three says she was shocked to hear of what happened in what's usually a family-oriented space.

"I never thought about having to be extra safe at the library," Lopez said. "I was thinking, 'Oh, the kids' corner upstairs. Safe.' But to get to the kids' corner upstairs, I have to go through the main lobby or wherever. So now I realize, now I do have to think twice."

Police identified the attacker as 31-year-old Harry Frotman of Preston Street. Frotman was arrested and then arraigned Friday morning.

The victim did receive treatment for injuries not believed to be critical, but it's still a concern for some, like local parent Barrett Powell.

"Very unsafe to bring my son here for the future reference," Powell said. "There's a lot of transients going on. So, it's kind of rough because it's a public place and they have a lot of functions for the kids and elderly people. It's a sad situation."

City Manager Eric Batista has met with library leadership to address the situation.

Batista says staff has been trained on de-escalation techniques, a community resource department has been created, and the library has added security officers.

He condemned the violence, saying in a statement, "The Worcester Public Library will remain an open and welcoming place for all members of the community, but this sacred space and those who operate it must be treated with respect, honor, and dignity."

The main branch of the library will re-open to the public on Saturday.

The library was planning a block party during the afternoon, which they say is still happening.

The incident remains under investigation, officials said.