Mars library closes Tuesday due to flooding damage from winter storm
Although January’s sizable snowstorm is more than a week in the past, its effects are still being felt.
Mars Area Public Library on Grand Avenue was forced to close Tuesday, Feb. 3, due to flooding damage it sustained as a result of the winter storm.
Library director Janae Callihan said the leaks were caused by ice dams that formed along the roof. Callihan said the damage was first spotted on Thursday, and was initially contained to a small area before it spread.
“While the initial leaks were contained within staff-only areas, the situation escalated quickly and began impacting public spaces, which ultimately led to our decision to temporarily close the building for safety and preservation reasons,” Callihan said.
In a statement, Callihan warned the repair process might be costly and a strain on the library’s finances.
“We are facing what will likely be a costly repair process, including remediation and replacement of damaged drywall and carpeting,” Callihan said. “While we are assessing the full scope of the damage and next steps, we know this will place additional strain on our resources.
“As we navigate repairs and recovery, we welcome the community’s continued support as we work to ensure the library remains a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”
Callihan said library staff acted quickly to prevent the library’s materials from damage.
“Thankfully, at this time, no part of the circulation collection has been lost,” Callihan said. “I want to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our staff, who have been monitoring leaks, moving materials and working diligently to minimize damage under challenging conditions.”
This marks the second time in just over a week the library was forced to close. Like so many other public spaces, the library closed Jan. 26 in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Callihan hopes the closure is not long term.
The library’s website indicates the library will remain closed Wednesday.
“We are hoping that this will be just today — and possibly tomorrow — with the closure … but we do plan to avoid any long-term closures,” Callihan said Tuesday.
According to past Butler Eagle reporting, the library was constructed in 1928 as a machine shop and was purchased by the Mars Area Public Library in 1994.
In 2024, Mars and Adams Township jointly announced an effort to replace the building with a new structure at the site of the former Mars Bank, also on Grand Avenue. Plans for the new library building include a NASA-backed “discovery center” and a NexTier Bank branch.
