Old Hickory branch mold assessment finds air spore levels at or below outdoor baselines; targeted cleaning underway

Metro Arts and library staff told the board that an indoor-air quality assessment at the Old Hickory branch measured mold spore levels at or below those outdoors and recommended cleaning of areas with visible mold.

The finding matters because Old Hickory is an aging branch (opened in 1937) with high community use; ensuring safe indoor air and addressing moisture sources protects staff and patrons and informs ongoing maintenance plans.

Terry, Nashville Public Library staff member, said Athena Engineering and Environmental LLC conducted the assessment on June 27, sampling interior locations across both floors and two outdoor baseline sites. "Based on the analysis, Athena determined that the mold spore levels present in the building's air do not pose a concern regarding overall air quality," Terry reported. Athena also performed tape-lift sampling where visible mold was observed and recommended cleaning those spots.

To address the recommendations, the library contracted First On‑Site to perform cleaning and to investigate and mitigate moisture sources in affected areas; staff reported that professionals cleaned the building on the Friday following the assessment. The library also plans to perform annual mold surveys at Old Hickory going forward.

Board members asked which interior areas were sampled; Terry said the assessment covered the teen area, children's area, librarian's office, general offices, front desk, foyer, specified restrooms and the mechanical room, as well as exterior locations on the eastern and northern sides of the building.

No formal action or funding decision on remediation beyond contracting First On‑Site was recorded at the meeting.