Patterson said staff members at the Wagram Public Library were encountering "more bugs than books" when the facility was closed earlier this year due to problems in the HVAC system.
"The building was found to be in terrible shape, and was closed due to a heating issue," Patterson said during a budget work session at county headquarters. "We are not budgeted to reopen the facility this year."
To compensate for the unscheduled event, library staff increased service to Wagram via the bookmobile soon after the library was closed.
"More patrons were using the bookmobile than the library anyway," Patterson said. "We are not looking to reopen the Wagram library until a better alternative can be found."
Wagram Town Clerk Phyllis Lowery said she has received a number of queries about the status of the library.
"A lot of people use the Wagram library," she said. "While the bookmobile comes two or three times a week, people have indicated to me that they miss the computers. With tough times and high unemployment, it's a shame the facility had to close. Hopefully enough funds can be raised to reopen the library in another facility."
In an interview last month, Library Director Leon Gyles said the building had been without heat since February.
"The absence of regulated temperature and humidity has accelerated the deterioration of the branch's collections," Gyles said. "Therefore, while the branch is closed, the library staff will be inspecting each item in the collection and storing them until a permanent location for the branch is identified ... We are seeking money in the form of donations, grants, and gifts (and) will not be including any county monies in this endeavor. We are now searching for a new, permanent facility in which to house the Wagram Branch."
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