POLAND — The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Board of Directors voted Tuesday to explore relocating the Poland Library branch.

The vote came after a study of the deficiencies at the branch that date back to its original design and construction, according to a press release from the PLYMC.

The decision to look into relocation came after a yearlong assessment by architects and engineers from BSMH Architects and Bialosky consultants.

The Poland branch was experiencing floor slab heaving in the southeast wing. The heaving had a vertical displacement of between 1.5 to 3 inches, and cracks were observed along floor transitions, according to the reports in the study.

Other findings in the report show various movements and deterioration, cracking, warping and buckling within the structure. The study also pointed at the electronic system that was cluttered and disorganized in the public computer area.

The study also looked at the exterior and uneven pavers in the walks and overgrown vegetation along foundation walls. It pointed to the lack of dedicated teen and kid space, study rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, a drive-up window and dedicated spaces for noise control.

“Our Board of Trustees made the fiscally responsible choice to explore the relocation of the Poland branch,” said Aimee Fifarek, PLYMC Director and CEO. “We appreciate the robust discussion by the board on this incredibly important issue. We have been assured by the experts that this building is safe for use. However, the problems facing this building date back to the original design and construction and they are not going away,” added Fifarek.

The report from BSMH Architects offered several options for the library board to consider. The first option was maintaining the existing building with essential repairs and system replacements with a 30% contingency to correct design flaws and prevent future system failures. This would come at an estimated cost of $8.5 million and require the branch to be closed and the services relocated for two to four years. The option did not address the need for modernization or expandable programmatic space.

Option 2 was to renovate the existing building with a complete interior reconfiguration and renovation of the first floor and lower level to improve function and aesthetics. The cost for this option was estimated at $16.1 million and would also require the branch to be closed for up to two years. The second option would have improved functionality, but would still limit flexibility for future growth.

Option 3 is the construction of a new library or renovation of an alternate facility. The cost for this option is between $11.5 million and $15 million. Bialosky consultants suggested an 18,000-square foot facility would be adequate for the service area and would bring a price tag of $13.5 million.