Public library consults engineers about structural concerns at Poland branch

POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) – Following debate in the community about the exterior design of the Poland Library, leadership of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County decided that a structural evaluation was also necessary.

A preliminary analysis of the Poland branch was performed and detected some movement at the south end of the building on the first floor which the library said warrants a full external and structural evaluation, according to a press release.

In the release, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County said the safety and stability of their facilities is a top priority. Therefore, they are reaching out to a geotechnical engineering firm to conduct a subsurface exploration.

The Poland Library will be closed on Monday, July 22 while that investigation takes place.

In addition, the library has also reached out to local architectural firm BSHM Architects which retained Seidler Engineering as a consultant.

The release said Seidler Engineering has already been onsite to assess the situation and said the structural integrity of the building has not been compromised and is safe for continued use.

The library said in the release “Their professional assessment provides us with confidence as we continue to work on addressing the underlying issues.”

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