Gatesville Library Temporarily Closed for an Immediate Maintenance Concern

September 12, 2024

Media Release – Gatesville Library Temporarily Closed for an Immediate Maintenance Concern

For more information, contact:

Bradford Hunt

City Manager, City of Gatesville

bhunt@gatesvilletx.com

This morning during normal library hours, a patron advised staff of apparent water damage to two books found on shelves.  This discovery, along with some small areas of water damage found on some sheet rock in the past week, equated to an urgent maintenance issue and caused City Manager Bradford Hunt to direct the temporary closure of the library, through at least Tuesday, September 17, 2024.  The cause of this previously unseen water damage is likely related to roof damage sustained in severe weather events that occurred in spring of this year.

Out of an abundance of caution, the City has contracted a testing company to take samples throughout the library in the next few days and advise whether the water damage poses any known risk to the public.  The City of Gatesville will work with its contractor to inspect the building and its contents in a thorough manner between September 13 and 17.  Once the testing and inspection are completed, Mr. Hunt will issue an additional directive about library operations for September 18 and forward.

Mr. Hunt said: “We understand the library is an important part of daily life in Gatesville and we are taking all possible proactive steps to ensure the well-being of our library staff and patrons.  While there have been no reported instances of illness or discomfort, the unknown extent of water damage is the reason for this pre-emptive testing, inspection, and any necessary further action.”