The latest water intrusion inspection of Norman Public Library Central, released Friday, recorded elevated temperature and humidity levels but no active moisture intrusion in the accessible areas of the building
The library has faced repeated water intrusion and mold issues over the past two years, and Cavins Group is contracted by the city to inspect the building’s interior following weather events.
According to the report, inspectors found no signs of active moisture intrusion in any of the areas previously affected. The report states small amounts of water were collected in several water diversion tarps, but that the tarps are functioning as intended and prevented water from impacting interior materials.
The report recommends repairing parts of the building’s exterior that were incorrectly installed and implementing measures to control the indoor climate, such as dehumidifiers, air conditioners and other HVAC adjustments.
Norman’s Chief Communications Officer Tiffany Vrska wrote in an email to OU Daily Wednesday the city is adhering to the report’s recommendations, but that it will not repair building materials that were incorrectly installed because of ongoing litigation.
“The next report(s) will include review of remediation efforts to ensure sufficient measures have been taken. It is a goal, to the extent possible, that there is no significant regression to the state of the building but these challenges expectedly arise with rain events,” Vrska said.
Background
Norman Public Library Central, at 103 W. Acres St., closed temporarily in late 2023 due to widespread mold before closing indefinitely in April 2024.
The building has experienced water intrusion and leak issues since it opened in 2019, and the city is involved in two ongoing lawsuits with contractors and Pioneer Library System related to the building’s construction and mold treatment.
Previous inspections of the library identified several types of mold in the building, including black mold, fusarium and Paecilomyces spores, which Cavins Group linked to ongoing water intrusion from roof leaks.
Cavins Group’s contract with the city covers interior inspections and mitigation after weather events, but the company does not perform exterior repairs. Those responsibilities would fall to other contractors hired by the city.
In June 2025, City Attorney Rick Knighton said the city is reviewing several unused Main Street buildings as possible storage sites for the library books, with the goal of getting the collection back into circulation while the branch remains closed.
This story was edited by Audrey McClour. Kennedy Johnson and Larkin Bock copy edited this story.
