An innocuous Instagram post has been making waves in Midland.
Someone recently took a screenshot of Midland Public Library CEO Crystal Bergstrome’s private Instagram account and shared it with a town council member.
It’s not clear why the unidentified individual did this or what he or she hoped to accomplish by sharing a private post that involves a meme about relationships, which contains a profanity.
In a letter addressing the incident that was obtained by MidlandToday, library board chair Roberta Bald said that the board felt obliged to advise the town about the incident.
“We can see a reflection of a woman in the photo and Ms. Bergstrome is aware of who took that screenshot,” the letter dated Feb. 21 and signed by Bald reads.
“However, the theft did not end there," the letter states. "The screenshot was forwarded to individuals, including at least one Town Councillor, who should have made inquiries about the privacy of the image. He ought to have known that the image was private and should have deleted it from his account.”
While MidlandToday has learned that Bald resigned from the board last week, the letter goes on to suggest that Bergstrome may seek legal advice to explore what avenues might be available to her.
The letter also gives a number of reasons Bergstrome could seek legal recourse, including: “1) the theft of the unauthorized photo of the private Instagram post; 2) the dissemination of the private posting by certain members of Town Council and others; 3) breaches of privacy laws; 4) a privacy complaint; and 5) a defamation lawsuit,among others. Legal responsibility for damages from inappropriate disclosures could rest with individuals or the organization as a whole.
“I trust that you will ensure that no further dissemination will occur, while Ms. Bergstrome seeks her legal remedies.”
Bald did not return a request for comment by press-time.
However, Bergstrome said she's not pursuing any sort of legal action.
"The issue has been resolved and we are all moving forward," she said. "We are focused on our goal of serving the community through the excellent programs and services offered at the library."
Mayor Stewart Strathearn also reiterated that the matter has been resolved.
"It’s a matter for the board, and as my understanding is, the board has dealt with it to everybody's satisfaction,” he said, adding there’s no litigation involving the town in the matter and the town didn’t make any sort of payment to resolve it.
"I have every confidence in the board and the CEO to continue. Personally, I don't use social media and there’s a reason for that.”
