WATERVILLE — The Waterville Public Library will close from Jan. 25 to the end of the month in order to complete reconstruction from sustained water damage that happened in December.
The library, located on 76 Elm St., sustained significant water damage on Dec. 17, after a frozen pipe burst and damaged books, computers and furniture. Officials later determined that the cause of the burst was that insulation had become dislodged from around an air-handling grill in a wall, allowing cold air to enter the wall.
The pipe burst on a Saturday and kept the library closed until Tuesday, Dec. 20. The reconstruction will replace flooring and woodwork in the library’s entryway and lobby, which was ruined by several inches of water that came from the burst pipe.
Any materials checked out from the library due between Jan. 25 to Jan. 31 will be extended to Wednesday, Feb. 1, according to a news release Wednesday from the library.
The library will also have a satellite location to return and pick-up items at Waterville City Hall on 1 Common St. The satellite station will be staffed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday, Jan. 25, to Friday Jan. 27, and again on Monday, Jan. 30, and Tuesday, Jan. 31. During this time, patrons will be able to return items and get items ready for pick up and place holds items. Staff plan to reopen the library on Feb. 1.
The call to Waterville Fire Department came around 9:20 a.m. on Dec. 17. The library was supposed to open at 10 a.m., but it was discovered a three-quarter-inch copper water pipe burst and left 2 inches of water on the floor and damaged the ceilings in at least two rooms on the ground floor. The water seeped from the nonfiction room down a ramp and into the lobby of the library, the main entrance of which is off Appleton Street.
Walls and ceiling tiles were damaged and at least 500 nonfiction children’s books were destroyed. Additionally three staff computers, a color copier and furniture were also damaged from the flooding.
While the library is closed, flooring and woodwork in the building’s entryway and lobby that was ruined by standing water will be replaced, according to the release.
Library Director Sarah Sugden said there wasn’t an estimated financial amount in terms of damage because they were still working with their insurance company to see what they would replace. Sugden said this was the last remaining work to fully restore the library.
“We’re excited to be finished with it,” she said.
Colin Ellis — 861-9253
cellis@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @colinoellis
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