Clovis library to reopen this week

CLOVIS — The Clovis-Carver Public Library, closed since a deadly shooting on Aug. 28, is expected to reopen late this week.

Clovis City Manager Tom Phelps said the library will have a “soft opening,” meaning it is scheduled to open without formality “within the next few days.”

“Damage to walls, book cases etc. is (in) the process of being repaired and repainted. We are also waiting on the installation of some replacement carpet,” Phelps said Monday in an email.

Two people were killed and four were injured when police say Nathaniel Jouett, 16, opened fire in the library about 4 p.m. on Aug. 28. Court records show Jouett told police he was “mad” and he’d “been thinking bad things for a while.” The Clovis High School sophomore offered no reason for choosing the library for the shooting, records show.

Eyewitnesses have said the gunman fired 30 or more shots in about 10 minutes.

Jouett is in the Curry County jail, where he faces 33 charges, including two for first-degree murder.

Phelps on Monday declined to discuss whether the library will reopen with additional security, “other than we will continue to endeavor to provide a safe facility for our staff and patrons.”

Phelps said library staff have been provided counseling services since the shooting. “The re-entry process is also being guided by the counselors,” he said.

The Clovis community has been active in supporting the library and the shooting victims.

A Clovis Library Victims Memorial Fund has raised almost $13,000, according to Clovis-Curry County Chamber of Commerce Director Ernie Kos, who helped organize the fund.

Nine area restaurants are donating proceeds, as are multiple other businesses in addition to individuals.

Kos said the fund has potential to reach $25,000 or $35,000.

“Right now we’re in gathering mode,” she said. A group meeting today at the Chamber is expected to begin determining exactly how the money will be distributed.

“For sure, we know the priority is going to be the victims’ families,” Kos said.

Scott Odom, vice president of finance for the Chamber board of directors, is chairing the library fund committee, Kos said.