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The New York Public Library (NYPL) is facing a $4.6million legal challenge from an employee who claims his tiny desk has severely impacted his mental health and wellbeing.
William Martin, a 6-foot-2 inch, 360 pound library information assistant, filed the lawsuit in Brooklyn Federal Court, alleging he was repeatedly assigned to a service desk that was unsuitable for his physical needs. He described the workspace as "crampy" and harmful to his health.
“All I sought was just a service desk with the appropriate accommodation given my physical attributes,” Martin stated in the legal filing.
The dispute began in October 2021 when Martin was assigned to the first-floor service desk at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in Midtown Manhattan. The desk, featuring a staggered countertop with a 12-inch drop, left him struggling to work comfortably. After his union stepped in, Martin was reassigned to other desks, but the relief was short-lived.
In June 2023, a newly appointed assistant director allegedly ordered Martin back to the same cramped desk, escalating tensions. Martin claims the move was retaliatory after he raised concerns and involved a lawyer. According to the suit, his assignments to the desk “dramatically increased,” which he described as an act of bullying and intimidation.
The situation deteriorated further when Martin was accused of sleeping on the job, leading to a suspension. He requested a transfer and sought medical leave for anxiety and depression, stating the experience left him so traumatized that “he would tremble just at the thought of going back to work.”
Martin, who once ran a sports blog titled “300lbsofsportsknowledge,” is seeking not only the substantial financial payout but also approval for his medical leave. He claims the unresolved employee dispute has left lasting damage to his mental health, violating workplace wellbeing standards.
In response, the NYPL has dismissed the allegations as “without merit.” A spokesperson for the institution emphasized that the library takes employee accommodations and concerns seriously. “We are dedicated to treating our staff across the Library with fairness and respect,” they said.
The case highlights growing scrutiny over workplace wellbeing and the responsibility of employers to provide suitable equipment. As Martin’s legal challenge unfolds, it shows the potential ramifications for organizations that fail to address employee disputes effectively. For now, the NYPL must contend with the public spotlight as the court decides whether the workplace discrimination case will turn the page on its employee policies.
