The Pioneer Library System Board of Trustees unanimously voted to close the Norman Central Library and relocate its services in its meeting on Tuesday.
The board unanimously voted to close Norman Central Library following reports of black mold and fusarium found in the building.
Lisa Wells, executive director of the Pioneer Library System, said the library is expected to be closed for five months. She added Pioneer Library Systems is looking at potential places for relocation that do not require funding.
“We want to make sure we’re as close to the central location as possible,” Wells said. “We want to at least be on the bus route or in that general neighborhood.”
The library’s full-time employees are being temporarily reassigned to one of the other 11 Pioneer locations for the month of December, according to Wells. She added hourly employees are picking up shifts at them as well, but plans beyond December are uncertain.
“We’re not going to have anyone with a loss of employment,” Wells said. “So the plans after December really depend on if we get a temporary location or not.”
The Norman Central Library was built by Flintco Construction in 2019. The library reportedly had water intrusion issues since it opened.
Wells said the mold was discovered on wet sheetrock installed in the building during the building process.
Since the Norman Central Library facility was built for the City of Norman, Wells said Pioneer Library Systems has no legal capabilities to take action against Flintco Construction.
Kelly Sitzman, Pioneer Library Systems Director of Communications, said they had a business continuity plan that allowed for a seamless transition.
“One of the things I love about working for Pioneer Library System is just the ability to be flexible and adaptable,” Sitzman said. “Within 24 hours, we had a plan of action and had a plan in place already.”
Sitzman also said while she is disappointed about the temporary closure of the Norman Central Library, it also allows for restructuring and advertising opportunities.
“Part of our strategic plan is to reimagine the library, and so this is another opportunity to get to do that,” Sitzman said. “So we're excited to find new ways to meet people where they are and explore different locations for pop-up programming.”
This story was edited by Taylor Jones.
