Evansville library board reports water damage repairs and strong summer reading turnout

Library Director Bronna Lehman read a written report to the council on Aug. 13 outlining staffing, building repairs and recent programs.

Lehman said Nicole Shum began work as the library's new library clerk on Aug. 12 and that the library is now fully staffed. She reported that Golz Electric repaired malfunctioning exterior outlets and lighting above the 1st Street entry doors and that Paul Davis Restoration performed water-damage cleanup in the children's area. The board plans to contract with Zander Solutions to repair a foundation crack before replacing carpet and drywall; the City Administrator and City Engineer are exploring options to redirect water away from the building’s south side.

Destree Design Architects conducted a Building Condition Assessment and recommended several immediate projects to address water infiltration; the Library Board approved those projects to be funded from library reserves. The board said other maintenance projects will be evaluated for future funding to preserve the structural stability of the library’s historic portion.

Lehman also reported on programming: the summer reading program concluded Aug. 10 with 201 children, 51 teens and 120 adults participating. The board plans a brief programming pause to prepare fall storytimes and increase weekly teen programming.

The report noted partners and supporters, including the Friends of the Library, the Prairie Lakes Library System and the Evansville Chamber. Council did not record extended discussion or a vote on library funding at the meeting; the board indicated it will use its reserves for immediate repairs.