A lawsuit has been filed by a New York Public Library employee, weighing 163 kg, seeking $4.6 million in damages. The employee, William Martin, who is a 6-foot-2 library information assistant, alleges that being forced to work at a desk that was too small for his frame caused him physical and emotional trauma. The lawsuit, filed in Brooklyn Federal Court, describes the desk at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library on Fifth Avenue as “crampy” due to its inadequate size. Mr. Martin stated that all he wanted was a service desk that could accommodate his physical attributes.
Mr. Martin initially raised concerns about the desk in October 2021, and after his union intervened, he was reassigned to other desks. However, in June 2023, a new assistant director reportedly reassigned him to the same problematic desk, which he claims was detrimental to his health and safety. The lawsuit also alleges that the director increased Mr. Martin’s desk assignments to intimidate him.
Following accusations of sleeping on the job, which he denied, Mr. Martin requested a transfer and medical leave for anxiety and depression. The lawsuit highlights the severe emotional toll on Mr. Martin, stating that he “trembles” at the thought of returning to work and his mental health has been significantly impacted.
Mr. Martin, who previously ran a blog titled “300lbsofsportsknowledge,” is now seeking the court’s intervention to grant his leave request and approve the monetary compensation. In response, a spokesperson for the New York Public Library dismissed the lawsuit as “without merit,” emphasizing the Library’s commitment to treating its staff with fairness and respect.
The case is ongoing, and the outcome remains to be seen.
