Cambridge

School says librarian rejected book on her own

Cambridge Public Schools says one of its elementary school librarians didn’t have permission when she tried to reject a book donation from Melania Trump. An editorial letter written by Cambridgeport School librarian Liz Phipps Soeir represented her opinions and was not an official statement, the district said. Soeir’s school was among one from each state chosen to receive 10 Dr. Seuss books from the first lady for National Read a Book Day. But the librarian penned a letter for a blog saying her school has ‘‘plenty of resources’’ and doesn’t need the books. She also called Dr. Seuss ‘‘a bit of a cliche.’’ The district says it has ‘‘counseled’’ Soeir on district policies and that her letter ‘‘was not a formal acceptance or rejection of donated books.’’ (AP)

Providence

Police grab dirt bikes, ATVs driven illegally

The Providence Police Department said Thursday it has towed 82 recreational vehicles in an effort to crack down on dirt bikes and ATVs being driven illegally. The department also said it issued 91 summonses over the past several months. Dozens of vehicles are pending forfeiture. In May, the Providence City Council passed an ordinance allowing police to confiscate and destroy illegal off-road vehicles. It voted in July to create a task force to crack down on dirt bikes and ATVs being driven illegally through the city. There had been complaints of people speeding dangerously through public parks and causing damage. Officials say the statistics prove their efforts are working. (AP)

Portland, Maine

Maine Medical Center expansion approved

The state has signed off on Maine Medical Center’s $512 million expansion that stands to become the largest ever undertaken by the hospital. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services this week blessed the project by granting a Certificate of Need. Richard Petersen, Maine Med’s president, said the expansion and modernization will ‘‘provide the best possible care for our patients.’’ The project, to be completed by 2022, will add single-patient rooms and 20 operating rooms, but the total number of beds will remain unchanged at 637. Currently the hospital has 303 double-occupancy rooms, which Maine Med officials say is no longer the standard of care. (AP)