Mars Area Public Library reopening Thursday after weekslong cleanup
A month after it was forced to close indefinitely due to structural damage caused by January’s massive snowstorm, Mars Area Public Library announced on Monday that it was finally ready to reopen to the public.
The reopening is scheduled for Thursday, March 19. Aside from a brief reopening on Thursday, Feb. 5, before it closed again the following day, it marks 44 days from the time the library last opened its doors.
The library was forced to close on Tuesday, Feb. 3, due to spreading structural damage caused by ice dams which had formed along the roof of the building allowing water to seep into the structure. While books and other materials were saved from water damage, the drywall, carpeting and other parts of the building required extensive repair and replacement.
During the closure, the library solicited help from the Mars area community and many individuals and businesses both inside and outside the area responded with donations of money, building materials and manpower in the repair process. In a news release issued Monday, library director Janae Callihan thanked them for their support.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we received during this challenging time,” Callihan wrote. “Local businesses, volunteers and community members stepped forward to offer assistance, advice, materials and encouragement. Their generosity helped us move forward and prepare to welcome everyone back.”
During the closure, the library allowed patrons to pick up reserved materials curbside and also hosted some previously scheduled events inside its community room, although other events were moved to the Adams Township Municipal Building.
According to Callihan, the library does not yet know the full scope of the repair costs.
“The total cost of repairs is still being determined as we continue working with contractors and our insurance provider,” Callihan said. “While unexpected building repairs do create short-term financial strain for a small community library, the support we’ve received from local businesses, volunteers and donors has made a tremendous difference in helping us reopen.”
