Source: Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME, December 16, 2006
It was a musty odor that alerted library officials to a problem at Abbott Memorial Library.
At least two air quality audits revealed nothing wrong with the air quality, but officials did find a problem with moisture in the basement, the Town Council learned Thursday.
“We have determined through a professional assessment that we have no mold,” Town Manager Judy Doore said Friday, with much relief.
Town and library officials are working together to resolve the problem, Doore said. Public Works Supervisor Mike Delaware believes the problem lies with roof drains and with a disconnected drain, she said. He is looking to redirect the roof drains and to repair the underground drain to draw the water away from the building.
Head librarian Liz Breault said Friday water has been seeping through the granite foundation that has buckled the floor. In addition, the sheetrock framing is damp.
“I feel pretty optimistic that with some good drainage we will resolve the problem,” Breault said Friday.
When the problem is corrected, the trustees plan to convert the basement into an archival room for newspapers and for an area for children. The trustees told the Town Council on Thursday they would contribute half of the $16,000 cost for a climate control system for the basement.
Doore said the Town Council already has $15,000 in a reserve account for the system
In other business Thursday, the council:

• Learned that the popular Wild West Weekend will be held on Aug. 3, 4 and 5.
• Agreed to combine efforts with the local American Legion and VFW to seek a grant to help with the purchase of American flags for display on utility poles on Spring and Church streets.
• Voted to be the lead applicant for a Community Development Block Grant to help households replace failing septic systems and wells. If the grant is awarded, the town will partner with Dover- Foxcroft, Enfield, Howland, Newport and Mattawamkeag.
• Signed a five-year contract with James Costedio to operate the municipal golf course.