POST FALLS, Idaho — The Post Falls and Athol Libraries are under construction after both locations suffered severe water damage during the mid-January cold snap.
According to the Community Library Network, repairs on the library could take 4-6 months to complete. Library officials said the water damage was a "great loss to a facility or services."
“The total damage could be near $1 million. It is still too early to say. The total cost estimates for facilities should be back in about a month. The adjusters are very busy right now with so many claims,” Director Alexa Eccles said.
Eccles estimated $500,000 worth of books were damaged in the Post Falls Library alone.
The Athol library had a broken water pipe in an exterior wall. The Post Falls Library's fire suppression system also had a failure. The burst pipes damaged computers and books in both libraries. Library staff removed 1,000 items that were damaged by water. Those items will be taken out of the library system.
Both libraries will not hold community events like storytimes while under repair.
"It's been extremely hard on the staff. It was very emotional, and draining and stressful." said Eccles.
The recovery process is only beginning for both libraries. Staff members will pack up books, furniture and technology. Once all the equipment is removed, crews will work on demolishing water damaged walls and carpets.
Director Eccles said the libraries could be closed throughout the summer.
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