Mars library reopens Thursday after 6-week closure
Millie Bainbridge, 9, shows off the heart she made about why she loves the Mars Area Public Library during its reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
After closing for 44 days, the Mars Area Public Library reopened to the public on Thursday morning, March 19.
The library was forced to close on Feb. 3, due to water damage caused by a major snowstorm from the previous month that spread through the building. The snowstorm led to ice dams forming on the roof, allowing water to leak into the building.
The Mars Area Public Library reopened to the public on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Mars Area Public Library Director Janae Callihan talks about the support the libraray recieved from the community while they were closed due to storm damage Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Visitors to the Mars Area Public Library during their reopening leave behind heart shaped notes about why they love the library on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Cousins Penny Garrity, left, and Melina Zieglar use the computer at the Mars Area Public Library during the library's reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Cousins Penny Garrity, left, and Melina Zieglar use the computer at the Mars Area Public Library during the library's reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
William Bainbridge, 5, and Millie Bainbridge, 9, read at the Mars Area Public Library during the library's reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
From left, William Bainbridge, 5, Millie Bainbridge, 9, and Kyle Foster, 12, read at the Mars Area Public Library during the library's reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Kyle Foster, 12, reads at the Mars Area Public Library during the library's reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Henry Tamanini, 3, plays at the Mars Area Public Library during the library's reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Mars Area Public Library staffer Vincent Dalesio restocks shelves during the library's reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Henry Tamanini, 3, plays at the Mars Area Public Library during the library's reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Mars Area Public Library staffer Vincent Dalesio restocks shelves during the library's reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Mars Area Public Library staffer Vincent Dalesio restocks shelves during the library's reopening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
Mars Area Public Library Director Janae Callihan checks out books for library President Jennifer Bainbridge and her son, William, at the Mars Library on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
