Gueydan library closes due to mold

GUEYDAN — The Gueydan Library is currently closed due to the presence of mold in the building.
Angie LeBlanc, the Gueydan librarian, stated that the closure was a result of an inspection that revealed the mold. Remediation efforts will soon be underway and expected to be completed promptly.
Following the library’s closure, Chad Vallo, a Vermilion Parish Police Juror, and Charlotte Bourg, the Vermilion Parish Library Director, responded to the situation.
Vallo stated that he contacted architect Gene Sellers Jr. to inquire about the reason behind the closure. Architect Gene Sellers Jr. was unaware of the mold situation.
According to Vallo, the police jury from Gueydan, who are the owners of the building, were not notified about the mold issue in the library or the closure of the facility.
The library will remain closed for a few weeks, but there is no definite timeline for when it will reopen.
Bourq provided an update on the mold problem at the Gueydan library this week.
“The Gueydan Branch of the Vermilion Parish Library is currently undergoing preparations for mold remediation and subsequent rebuilding,” she said. “The library is actively seeking contractors through a bidding process to carry out the remediation work.”
Once a contractor is chosen and the library is ready, the remediation process will commence, targeting contaminated drywall, ventilation, materials, and any other affected surfaces.
Bourg said she will let the public know as soon as she knows when the library will reopen.
“The library is working very hard to prepare the Gueydan Branch of the Vermilion Parish Library for the mold remediation and rebuild afterward,” she added.
Patrons can access computers, printers, and a fax machine at the Kaplan Branch located at 815 North Cushing Boulevard in Kaplan. The phone number is 337-643-7209.
One of the types of mold found was concentrations of Chaetomium.
“This type of mold is commonly found in water-damaged buildings. It has a musty odor and can cause health issues such as skin and nail infections,” Bourg said. “In some cases, it can produce mycotoxins that can be very dangerous to individuals with compromised immune systems.”
The Gueydan Library is taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the public and protect the library’s property,” she said.
As part of their thorough investigation, they will be examining the books in the library to determine if any of them have mold.