LA Library Battles Mold Growth on Rare Books and Documents
If you have a chronic mold problem in your home or business, have you had your HVAC system checked recently? Shreve Memorial Library is spending more that a quarter of a million dollars in an effort to save their rare and historical books and documents.
The third floor of the library in Shreveport houses rare Louisiana books, periodicals and microfilm along with documents relating to petroleum, government and law. Mold treatment had been completed in 2007, but in 2013 staffers noticed mold growing on microfilm and book jackets.
The Larkin Edwards room holding the library’s special collection was also found to be infested. While the room has been sanitized, it is no longer in use and all items have been moved to other locations in the library.
Pollution control company EnviroCare was engaged to test the air in the library, which was found to be safe for staff and patrons. EnviroCare then brought in engineering firm Storer Services to evaluate the HVAC system. It was determined that the system was functioning poorly, allowing high levels of humidity. Excessive moisture creates a prime setting for mold growth.
Plans are underway to renovate the entire HVAC system during the first half of this year. Staff members have marked mold-stained materials with yellow dots to alert patrons.
Your building doesn’t have to store rare items to be at risk for mold. Our proprietary MoldExterm system provides safe and effective mold treatment that is normally completed in only one day. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.