Closed since Sunday after a mechanical problem caused flooding, New Canaan Library is on track to reopen next week, officials say.
The library will remain closed through Feb. 25 “due to ongoing flood-remediation measures,” the organization said in a press release.
All programs and meetings scheduled for this week are canceled.
“The cleanup team, led by ServiceMaster, has been working all weekend to extract any remaining water which flooded a good portion of the floor on the main level of the Library building this past Saturday due to a leak in the fire sprinkler system,” the press release said. “As of today, most of the carpeting has been dried out and multiple industrial fans have been installed throughout the building to reduce humidity to appropriate levels.”
Senior staff members say members of the library team rescued all books in the Children’s Room and concourse area. Materials are being carefully examined and will not return to shelves until a thorough assessment of their condition is complete, according to the press release.
Kim McNally, president and CEO of the library, said in a statement, “While we have suffered some paper and electronics losses, the good news is that very little damage was done to our books and materials. Our dedicated staff rallied to the rescue over the holiday weekend to move books and files. I couldn’t be prouder of the team and their incredible efforts to pitch in during this emergency.”
The library is “taking all necessary measures to ensure a safe reopening of the building as soon as possible and reports that patrons may not return to the building until the library’s emergency sprinkler system is back to being operational and all other necessary inspections are complete,” the press release said.
Patrons should not return books just yet “to allow staff members to concentrate on the extensive reshelving process which lies ahead,” it said.
“There will be no fines assessed for overdue items during this closure and all checked-out items will be backdated,” it said. “Patrons can renew their items, apply for or renew a new library card and ask questions by emailing circulation@newcanaanlibrary.org.”
The library’s digital collection can be found here.
McNally said in the release, “We hope to be back open for business by next week and will provide a further update by the weekend. Thank you, New Canaan, for your patience and good wishes during this challenging time.”