St. Cloud Public Library Will Reopen on Tuesday

ST. CLOUD --- A fire will cause the St. Cloud Public Library to be closed at least through Monday.

On Wednesday, a fire broke out on the second floor of the library after someone began lighting several books on fire.

Julie Henne is the Associate Director of the library. She says although there is no extensive fire damage, there is smoke damage throughout the building.

She adds staff and adjusters are assessing the collection and equipment as well as structural and air quality issues.

There are 106,000 items on the second-floor with a value of $2.1 million.

Henne says with the closure of the library all renewal items, and placings holds can be taken care of at other Great River branches. All due dates at the St. Cloud location will be extended.

St. Cloud Police says 47-year-old Jorge Ozornia of St. Cloud started the fire. He faces charges of 1st-degree arson.