Nearly ten weeks after water seepage left the lower level of Calgary’s main library branch under more than a metre of water, the Calgary Public Library is set to reopen the Central Library.
While overland flooding from the Bow and Elbow Rivers did not reach the building, located directly north of old city hall, water entered the library from below, damaging furniture, electronics, elevators, telephone system, fire alarm system, meeting rooms and washrooms. Insurance will cover the cost of returning the library’s basement to working order.
Thanks in part to the efforts of library employees and City of Calgary workers, the library will reopen its doors to the public as part of a soft opening on Wednesday, August 28.
“In the aftermath of the flood, every library staff member has felt its impact on the job and some have had to deal with challenges at home at the same time,” says Calgary Public Library Interim CEO, Ellen Humphrey. “I extend my thanks for the can-do approach staff have taken in fostering a sense of community that ensures our customers are welcomed back to their Calgary Public Library with open arms.”
During the soft opening, library visitors will have access to:
- The borrowing and returning of library materials
- Public computers
The official re-opening of the central branch is scheduled for September 3, 2013.
