The Southwest branch of the Monroe County Public Library is open again after flood damage closed it for about six months. It reopened Monday, and patrons may borrow books right away.
Cathy Riley, branch manager, said she’s grateful for the community support the branch received while it was closed.
“The Banneker Community Center offered us space, and we continued some of our storytimes at their facility,” she said. “Mother Hubbard's Cupboard continued their partnership with us with the teaching kitchen, and we hosted adult programs there. And then there were a few other programs we were able to offer at the downtown library.”
The building closed Jan. 15 after a frozen pipe flooded a third of the library. No collections were damaged but the program lobby, program room, teen space, parts of the children's space and a small section of the adult print area were affected.
“Right after we had the water come in, the southwest librarians actually came in, and we helped facilities move the water out of the building, and then we were moving furniture,” Riley said.
She said the team also helped reassemble the collection three weeks ago.
Tori Lawhorn, MCPL’s communications director, estimates the total cost of the claim will be about $300,000. The final report will not be complete until late summer.
The branch opened last June. It is the most recent addition to the Monroe County Public Library system.
Meeting rooms may now be reserved again. Teaching kitchen reservations will start Aug. 1. A list of July programs at the southwest branch is available on the library's event page.
Riley said the team is excited to be back.
“We couldn't wait to get back in. And now that we have reopened the doors, the public has been so kind, saying they're so happy to be back. It's just a real good, feel-good moment.”
This story was originally posted May 24, 2024, and was most recently updated July 3, 2024.
