AGAWAM – After the Agawam Public Library closed their doors indefinitely on Sept. 14, temporary library services are now being provided at the Agawam Senior Center. Officials expect it to remain there for the foreseeable future.

The library, located at 750 Cooper St., closed after the results of air quality tests revealed mold in four areas throughout the building. While a private company works to deep clean the walls, furniture and floors, along with conducting further tests, the library will remain closed.

According to the Agawam Public Library’s website, “We expect this closure to last until the end of the 2021 calendar year. This time frame is fluid, based on construction and remediation progress.”

They continued, “The library building on Cooper Street is now considered an active construction site. Access to the building will be limited to the construction team and town of Agawam personnel related to the construction and remediation projects.”

In an effort to keep the library services ongoing, Library Director Nancy Siegel and her staff have been working diligently to figure out the best way of doing so.

As of press time, library services are still limited, however, the staff is hopeful to start checking in library items and getting items on hold in the hands of patrons.

Library services and hours of operation at the Senior Center, located at 954 Main St., may differ on a daily basis. “For the next few weeks, library staff will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Senior Center. We are working towards the goal of offering more services from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., beginning Oct. 4. Please note that this is our goal. A lot depends on getting our network running and getting our staff into our new environment.”

Beginning Sept. 24, children’s take and make crafts will be available for pick-up at the Senior Center while supplies last. The statment on the library’s website stated, “The Children's Department anticipates providing fun family programs beginning next month or so.”

For the most up to date information on the library and its services/hours of operation at the Senior Center, visit https://www.agawamlibrary.org/.

Reminder Publishing reached out to Siegel for comment, however, she did not respond as of press time.