NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's been 8 months since a fire broke out at the parking garage downtown attached to the library. To this day, the Nashville Public Library is still closed.
While city officials say it's for safety reasons, it's a space and a resource that's deeply missed.
"The library is not intentionally delaying, in any way, the reopening," said Mayor Freddie O'Connell in a conference this week.
He said they want to reopen as soon as possible, though there aren't any clear plans in place yet.
"They continue to find, and have been told by people inspecting the facility, that the deeper they have gotten into the facility, the more challenging it is to get things open from a smoke damage and other related damages to the fire," explained the mayor.
While safety issues have pushed back the library's reopening date for months, the city has directed regulars to different branches.
Meanwhile, locals looking for computer access, news, or reading material aren't happy about the continual closure.
"I feel like there's not that many third spaces anymore," said Keegan Gleason, who lives downtown. "And in Nashville particularly, most of them involve alcohol. So community spaces like a library are really important."
"I hope it will open soon because, like, there's a lot of people who use this library, especially locals, especially the people who live nearby," added another local, Roner Dave.
"This is one of the beautiful spots in Nashville and this is where downtown is," he went on. "So I hope they open soon."
We know you care about this issue, so we'll keep you updated when we learn more about reopening date.
Has the library closure affected you in some way? Email me at nikki.hauser@newschannel5.com.
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
