Library Closed For Two More Months

FERNDALE, Mich. -- Ferndale Public Library is expected to remain closed for more than two months due to flooding damage. The cause of the damage is under investigation.

"One of the beliefs is that the water recycling system malfunctioned," said Library President Ann Warner.

A plumbing failure was discovered on Friday by librarian Pat Lind, who had decided to empty the return bin on her day off.

Library Director Doug Raber said, "We have experienced a major disaster."

"At least 15,000 gallons of water flooded the library," said Warner.

Library officials say it's too early to estimate the damages but all of the carpeting will need to be replaced, with insurance covering the cost. There was also water damage to some computers, furniture, walls and corners of the circulation desk.

Adding insult to injury is the fact the library had only been reopened for several months after undergoing a $4.5 million expansion that lasted about a year. It reopened in July after renovations that nearly doubled the size of the library.

As bad as the damage was, it could have been much worse. The library's books and media collection were undamaged, according to Warner.


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