NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Nashville Public Library Board of Directors has provided an update on the restoration of the Main Library in downtown Nashville.

According to a news release from the NPL, July 29 is the target date to reopen the downtown location after the June 10 fire in the parking garage, which caused a portion of the building to collapse.

Library officials expect the reopening to include everything except the auditorium and conference center areas. Those areas will be blocked off for long-term restoration.

The NPL also offered a building assessment, an update on books and materials and air quality.

Officials said over 90% "of the building sustained very light soot and smoke impact," while less than 10% of the building, including the conference center, auditorium, art gallery, circulation workroom, and the first floor's connecting hallways, "sustained moderate or heavy impacts."

According to the NPL, 90% of the Main Library's books and materials "are fully restorable with light cleaning." The library's books in archives and special collections were not damaged.

NPL officials said artwork and other assets in the heavily impacted areas of the building are being evaluated by restoration experts.

The library's air quality has been "restored to normal" and will be monitored throughout restoration, officials said. Cleaners and restoration experts will take an air sample upon conducting their final post-cleaning and remediation verification assessment.

Officials said Metro's Insurance carrier hired another team of consultants to review NPL's findings and recommendations.

In the meantime, NPL has free programs for all ages, free access to computers and computers among other services across other locations in Davidson County.

NPL will provide further updates if the planned reopening date or other restoration efforts change.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/nashville-public-library-board-sets-target-reopening-date-for-downtown-library/