Library finds urine saturating 41 books

BAY MINETTE, Ala. - Disgusting is the best way to describe what library workers found on Wednesday. "This is a filthy and despicable act of vandalism," said Mayor Jamie Tillery.

Empty shelves show where the books were located in the Bay Minette Public Library. Workers say someone urinated on 41 books.

Mayor Tillery says the incident is sickening. "It is criminal in nature and it shows a disrespect towards the city, the library, and the citizens of this community," said Tillery.

It was three hours before closing when the discovery was made. The library worker was straightening books when she realized they were stuck together. When she pulled them apart, she immediately smelled the scent. She recognized the smell and went straight for her gloves.

Pictures taken just after the discovery show workers attempting to use alcohol to salvage the books, but that didn't work.
It appears all of the books are ruined.

P.J. Ikner goes to the library often to read the Bible. He also likes to visit the religion section for other material and that's the same place where the incident happened.

"It's filthy. It's real filthy of them. Even them doing it in the religious section, so its real filthy," said Ikner.

"The perpetrator will be found and will be prosecuted," Tillery added. Prosecuted for a crime that is totally unacceptable. The library is working to upgrade its security system, so incidents like this will be caught on video.