13 Investigates is digging for answers on the café closure in Guilderland that stirred controversy in February.

Questions remained after Café con Mel at the Guilderland Public Library abruptly closed, citing racism from customers and library staff.

Co-owner Melanie Diaz alleged in a Facebook post that the sudden shutdown after just five months was due in part to “racism, harassment and constant disrespect” from patrons and staff.

The library held several public meetings where people voiced concerns, some questioning the real reason it closed. Some speakers even said the post unfairly smeared Guilderland’s reputation. People also raised concerns about Diaz’s business practices.

13 Investigates learned rent for the café was just $200 a month and found Diaz owed more than $6,000 from a previous business. Diaz declined to comment on camera at the time of the closure.

A records request by 13Investigates appeared to validate residents’ concerns that claims of racism were baseless.

13 Investigates requested all documents related to racism complaints by Café con Mel made directly with the library, including emails. The library says it does not have any documented complaints of racism.

Albany County legislator Mark Grimm (R – Guilderland) told 13 investigates that he believed the situation had given the library a black eye.

He went on to say that there are “suspicious things that haven’t been answered yet” including, he said, why the café’s rent was so low.

The library hired third-party firm, Guidepost Solutions, to investigate the claims of racism, with results expected in June.

The library’s interim director, Nate Heyer, was not able to speak over the phone Thursday, but said by email that the library was “moving ahead with training and discussions about the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

“We are particularly excited about our upcoming staff development day in early June, in which all our staff will participate to brush up on skills and learn new perspectives, and to working through the Upper Hudson Library System’s “Equity Challenge,” Heyer said.