Library shelves mix-up

The Jolys Regional Library board sold 12 tall wooden bookshelves without telling town council or updating inventory, council heard on June 18.

Council had 42 wooden shelves in inventory but were surprised when they found new metal ones.

Coun. Marc Proulx said the wooden shelves were causing mold and mildew according to the Jolys Regional Library board, so the shelves were sold privately to the public on a social media marketplace.

The money went back to the library board, and the funds were used to purchase metal shelves.

“They took it upon themselves saying the wood shelves are causing mold and mildew. They took the tall wood shelves that were ours, replaced them with the metal ones, and sold the shelves,” said Proulx. “There was no documentation.”

Proulx said the metal units won’t be used as they have sharp edges and aren’t safe.

Tina Bubenzer, Chief Administrative Officer, said everything has been moved in the new space, but there are boxes of books everywhere due to no bookshelves on June 18.

The metal shelves will be offered to the public for free due to the limited storage.

École Héritage Immersion gave 20 shelves to the board to help.