Burgettstown Library set to reopen after mold outbreak
Fundraisers underway to raise money for remediation
Burgettstown Community Library is set to reopen Nov. 2 after being closed for a month-and-a-half when a faulty HVAC system caused a mold outbreak that damaged thousands of books and materials in the library.
Librarian Emily Eyler said the library hired Bactronix Corp., a Pittsburgh-based microbial control and mold remediation company, that used a meticulous, multi-step process to salvage all of the books in the library’s 30,000-book collection.
“There were other companies that said we would have to throw away our entire collection, which includes lots of local history books that you’re not going to be able to find anywhere else, and a collection of rare and old books,” said Eyler. “We were incredibly relieved they were able to get the job done and save our little library.”
The remediation project cost was $60,000, and repairs to the HVAC system cost an additional $1,500.
Eyler is hoping the community will rally around the library to raise funds to help cover the cost. A GoFundMe fundraiser was launched earlier this month, and a Facebook fundraiser is running on the Burgettstown Community Library Facebook page.
Eyler discovered the mold outbreak on Sept. 17, when she was helping a patron, a tattoo artist who was looking for vintage illustrations.
“I walked her back to some books and I noticed some of our cloth-backed books had some spots and I said, ‘I think that’s mold,'” Eyler recalled. “We located her books, I checked her out, then I took a look around the library, and it was everywhere.”
Eyler and the library staff made the decision to close the library that day. All programs were also canceled.
The remediation process – using an EPA-registered, eco-friendly disinfectant – took about 10 days, during which all surfaces, books, and materials, including DVDs, board games, and musical instruments, were cleaned.
“Everything in this building has been cleaned – the walls, carpets, literally, everything,” said Eyler.
The library staff is in the process of re-shelving books and organizing the library before its reopening. Eyler and the staff will decide later this week whether the library will reopen fully or will have limited hours.
The library was established in the 1940s and has become a cornerstone of the community, providing critical resources to its patrons.
“We’re a small town, and there aren’t necessarily a lot of resources. This is kind of a community hub, where you can take your children for a fun program, where you can search for jobs, where you can meet new people and take part in programs if you’re new here,” said Eyler, who grew up in Burgettstown and was a regular visitor to the library. “Libraries have turned into a sort of community hall. They’re an integral part of our communities, especially this community.”
A Bigfoot event that was canceled due to the mold remediation project is being rescheduled for May. Brian and Terry Seech, founders of Center for Unexplained Events and Center of Cryptozoology Studies, are hosting the event.
In addition to the Facebook and GoFundMe fundraisers, the annual Holiday Bash will be held on Nov. 22 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Kramer’s Greenhouse, 1905 Steubenville Pike, Burgettstown. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds will go to the library. There will be raffle baskets, wine, food, and vendors.
The Go Fund Me can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-burgettstown-community-librarys-mold-remediation/.