Storm causes devastating loss of materials at Ross Library, book sale still a “go”

Staff Reports

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Annie Halenbake Ross Library suffered devastating losses Thursday afternoon when sudden storms dropped a deluge of rain on the Lock Haven area.

“I doubt we will reopen before Monday at the bare minimum,” said Ross Library Executive Director Tammy Garrison, “but come heck or high water, we will definitely still be holding the book sale next week.”

The roof over the single-story portion of the library, currently holding the heart of the adult fiction, nonfiction, audiobook, Poorman Business Collection, and rear offices, was being repaired and replaced Thursday when storms struck with torrential downpours and wind causing work to be postponed during the storm. Water was seen dripping through ceiling tiles, already soaked and bulging from the inside out.

“That portion of the roof was being worked on today and the next few days as part of the roof replacement with money that was granted from the Community Foundation and donated to the library,” Garrison said.

Library Maintenance Building Services person Bill Reynolds was on site during the roof construction and early water cleanup attempts to explain what went wrong.

“The existing roof did not have enough fasteners on it, causing water to trickle in over time and with the seasonal freeze/thaw would cause bubbles under the substrate on the roof, which is all being replaced over the next few days,” Reynolds explained. “Not many construction companies want to work with flat roofs anymore, but we are very grateful to have one here on hand rebuilding it for us.”

“Bill is just absolutely invaluable, this place could not run without him and my staff,” Garrison said.

It is hard to figure the true extent of the damage to materials and property in the library this early on, but at the moment it appears that at least the Poorman Business Collection, several computers, ceiling tiles, and some books will have to be disposed of. In time, other items such as furniture, carpets, and unfortunately books, will have to be disposed of and replaced as the water continues to trickle through the ceiling and walls.

“We were able to quickly save some things,” said Adult Services Coordinator Lou Bernard. “We saved some novels, the entire yearbook collection, and some of the business books so far.”

With the sound of vacuums running in the book stacks, and water continuously dripping from the ceiling and walls, there is almost nothing that can be done to save what already got wet.

“We cannot just dry out wet books because of mold and mold spores,” Garrison explained. “Other books will get moldy from the humidity and we are not an archive with the ability to properly preserve things.”

When the time comes, the library may need help with restoration work, but at the moment financial donations are requested to help with the most sudden and urgent of emergency expenses.

“We really appreciate the community’s support of the library and the roof project, and I just cannot stress enough how awesome my staff has been with quickly jumping into action to save what could be saved at the moment’ notice,” said Garrison. “We cannot take any book donations at this time, but monetary donations are greatly appreciated and accepted.”

Only time will tell the true extent of the damage caused by the sudden torrent of rain. “Most likely several thousand dollars worth of materials and furniture, but the true number will come from the insurance adjuster,” she said. “It will be a while before we get a complete picture of the losses here.”

Work crews were seen spreading large plastic tarps to cover the remaining roof portions under construction on Thursday.

Those looking to utilize services at the library are urged and encouraged to check their Facebook Page or to call the front desk at 570-748-3321.

Volunteers are needed for the book sale and unloading boxes of books from storage areas which were not affected by water. “The more volunteers, the better then I can free up staff to begin the process of restoring the library,” said Garrison.