A major structure fire over the weekend has resulted in the temporary closure of Gibbs Memorial Library in Mexia, Texas.
According to reports, a call was received at Mexia Police Dispatch about 4:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2019 stating that smoke and flames could be seen coming from the east end of the library building.
Firefighting and Rescue units from Mexia, Wortham and Teague responded.
“Despite the valiant efforts of these professionals, most of the eastern half of the Library was consumed by fire,” states Mexia City Manager Eric D. Garretty. He states further that the western end of the library only received minimal damage from smoke and residual soot.
According to City Manager Garretty, many of the community have inquired about the historical records maintained by the Mexia library. “Thanks to extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, from multiple communities, some of these documents were saved and have been secured,” said Garretty.
A full inventory of these items is expected to take several weeks.
“I humbly ask that you keep our Library Director, ShienDee Pullman, and all of the dedicated Library staff, in your thoughts and prayers,” states City Manager Garretty. “These folks put their heart and soul into Gibbs Memorial Library every day, and this event has affected them deeply.”
The Gibbs Memorial Library will be closed until further notice.
