Investigates

Action News Jax Investigates: Leaks, structural problems at Jacksonville's main library

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An Action News Jax investigation is uncovering new leaks in the downtown library and structural problems, leaving city leaders with new problems to deal with.

We found a new leak inside the main library during Thursday’s rain. The building has been plagued by problem leaks since 2012. Caution tape surrounded a table, just feet from computers in the main library.

As the rain pounded outside, library goers like Marion Reeves were reminded of the problem inside the leaky library.

"I smell the mildew and mold almost as soon as I come in," said Reeves. It has been plagued with problems for years.

In April 2012, we showed you tarps covering books on the fourth floor. In February 2014, those tarps were still there, along with plywood covering sky lights and water marks lining the walls. The more work crews did, the more problems they found. As of Thursday, it’s still not done.

Councilman John Crescimbeni met with the public works department last week to go over the problems.

"We discovered in some of the concrete walls, the cells were not reinforced with steel and poured concrete as required," said Councilman Crescimbeni.

He said crews will be doing random testing around the building to see if other problems exist. The city has paid nearly $1.6 million dollars to fix the problems and the price tag keeps climbing.

"We hired construction managers to be the taxpayers' eyes on that project," said Crescimbeni.

The current work is supposed to be done by April, unless they find more problems. The city did file a lawsuit back in 2013 against four different companies about the work done  to try and get back taxpayers money. We’re told it won’t go to trial at least until next year. The city wants to make sure there aren’t any more problems that will cost more money.