New Castle library closes its doors for 'safety concerns'

The New Castle Public Library is temporarily closed to the public due to reported harassment against its director and staff by Bill Messner, the head of the Constitution Party of Lawrence County.

In an email to the library staff and board Thursday, library Director Andrew Henley said the building will remain closed to the public until appropriate measures regarding Messner are in place.

Efforts to reach Messner for comment were unsuccessful.

In a letter to the board dated Feb. 20, Henley’s private attorney, Sarah Kefover, said he and the staff are fearful of their lives and believe Messner may cause serious harm.