City News
Update on Environmental Investigation at Sebastopol Library: Testing underway after discovery of mold in select areas
June 9, 2026, City News
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The City of Sebastopol and Sonoma County Library are providing an update regarding the ongoing environmental investigation at the Sebastopol Regional Library.
The Library initiated a proactive temporary closure on June 4 after staff identified peeling wallpaper and potential mold within wall areas of the Staff Room and Teen Area. On June 5, exploratory openings were made in select wall cavities where the peeling wallpaper had been observed. Environmental testing was conducted following the wall openings, which exposed mold within the wall cavities.
Testing conducted by a certified environmental testing firm and laboratory on Friday identified elevated mold spore levels within the affected wall cavities but not airborne in the library’s common areas. There is no indication of airborne elevated mold spore levels anywhere in the library prior to walls being opened. ServPro, the professional cleaning contractor for the City of Sebastopol, has established containment measures around the affected areas and installed air scrubbers as a precaution while the investigation continues.
Remediation specialists will continue assessing the extent of the damage and investigating the source of the moisture intrusion. Additional exploratory openings will be necessary to determine whether similar conditions exist behind other wallpaper-covered exterior walls and whether other areas of the building have been affected. The library remains closed while these investigations are being conducted and any necessary remediation is completed.
“The City is committed to fully understanding the extent of the issue and addressing any conditions that may be present within the building,” said Mary Gourley, Sebastopol City Manager. “While initial testing indicates the elevated mold levels are localized to the areas that have been opened, additional investigation is necessary to ensure we have a complete picture before moving forward with repairs.”
“The health and safety of our patrons and staff remains our highest priority,” said Erika Thibault, Sonoma County Library Director. “We know the library is an important community resource, and we understand that many community members are eager for more information and answers. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work with the City to thoroughly assess the building and determine the safest path toward reopening.”
At this time, no reopening date has been established. The City of Sebastopol and Sonoma County Library will continue to share information as additional findings become available and a clearer timeline for remediation and reopening can be determined.
While the Sebastopol Library is closed, holds are being transferred to the Forestville Community Library at 7050 Covey Road (on the El Molino High School campus), which has extended summer hours:
Monday-Friday: 11am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 1-5pm
Updates will be posted on the City of Sebastopol and Sonoma County Library websites and social media channels.