IRONTON, OH — The Chesapeake branch of the Lawrence County Public Library has been closed for two years after a roof collapse and other structural problems rendered the building unsafe. County officials placed a “Do Not Occupy” sign on the site, leaving residents without a local source for internet access, job searches, and government forms.
Community concerns
“I don’t want Chesapeake to lose that access,” said Chenoa Mumford, a Lawrence County resident and Marshall University student who relied on the library for school projects and internet use. Mumford recalled the library providing food and other necessities during her childhood.
Alisha Spears, a parent, warned that the loss of the library forces families to travel 30 minutes to Ironton for essential online services such as Medicaid and Medicare applications.
Board response
At a recent library board meeting, members assured the public that the Chesapeake location remains on the board’s agenda. Board member J.T. Holt said, “Reinvent is not acceptable to me unless that includes a building that is a library in Chesapeake. We have a budget surplus.”
Elisabeth Cremeans, another board member, reported finding a potential building in Chesapeake that could serve as a temporary library. A motion to rent the space for one year was tabled for further discussion.
Next steps
The board plans to revisit the issue at its next meeting, weighing options for a permanent facility versus a short‑term lease. In the meantime, residents continue to rely on the Ironton branch and other community resources for digital access.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
