POLAND — Jeanne Rostan served as spokesperson for the Poland Save Our Library Committee at Tuesday’s village council meeting, where she gave an update and asked for help as the battle continues.

“The reality of having a new location is just as strong as it has ever been,” Rostan said. “We have held meetings, attended meetings, got petitions together and we still don’t know where we stand.”

She said the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has two options for the Poland branch. One is to make repairs and maintain the present structure at a cost of between $7 million and $8 million. The other option is to build a new library at a different location that would cost $12.5 million for the building, plus the cost of the site.

“There is a rumor that Larry’s Drive Thru is a site being considered and talk is the site would be donated,” Rostan said. “We’ve talked about the effect the present structure sitting empty would have on the community.”

She said the committee needs more support and to keep up the pressure on the library board.

Council President Michael Thompson said, “The village has passed resolutions, and the mayor and solicitor have gotten letters of support from Congressman Mike Rulli.”

Councilman Chris Graff said, “When we go to the library board meetings, we talk, but get no response.”

Councilwoman Laurie LaPlante agreed and added, “This library board reports to no one. We just don’t understand what is driving them to do this.”

Rostan said the committee and its supporters need to step up the efforts to save the Poland branch where it is. She asked the village to continue its support.

Mayor Tim Sicafuse said he will gladly attend the next library board meeting and speak on the matter.

Graff said, “When we started, we were just four members. The committee has grown and gained a lot of support.”