Poland library expected to reopen Friday

Staff report

POLAND

The Poland Library, closed since Nov. 16, is likely to reopen Friday, library officials say.

Lawhon & Associates Inc., a Columbus air- quality company, told officials with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County on Wednesday that the Poland branch should be able to reopen Friday.

Library officials will provide more details today.

The library closed Nov. 16 because of a foul smell. Hydrogen sulfide, a hazardous gas, was found in the elevator pit, likely coming from water in the elevator sump pit, according to a Lawhon & Associates report.

When the branch reopens, the elevator will not be available. It will remain sealed off and ventilated, according to a library statement.

The library is handicapped-accessible without the elevator.

Kravitz’s Delicatessen’s location in the library is also expected to reopen Friday.

Books and materials checked out at the library before the closing will not accrue late fees during the time the branch is closed. Patrons can choose to return their books at any other Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County branches.

The library’s current building was completed in 2001.

The new building incorporated an old brick building that had housed the library since 1965.