Visitors found a sign on the Mars Area Public Library’s doors Friday stating the library will be closed until further notice.

This was after the library was closed for two days earlier in the week because of water damage brought about by the Jan. 25 snowstorm. Leaks caused by ice dams forming on the roof sent water into the building, causing damage to drywall and carpeting in the interior.

The library had only just reopened to the public on Feb. 5. The latest closure was to allow a company to assess the damage.

Library Director Janae Callihan said the repairs may prove to be costly and place strain on the library’s finances.

The library’s closure will also place a strain on the many people who use the library. The library not only provides books, e-books and DVDs for its patrons, but access to computers and the internet. The library also provides space for guest speakers and community groups.

The importance of a community library is encapsulated in a quote by R. David Lankes, professor and director of the School of Library & Information Science at the University of South Carolina: “Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities.”

Callihan said individuals and organizations have pitched in to help already with industrial fans and de-icing materials. But, what is really needed to solve the problem of the roof leaks and repair the water damage to the library’s interior is money.

The library has placed a donation form on its website to make it easier to donate money for the needed repairs and replacements.

Anyone who has checked out books from the library, used its computers or attended a class or a program should seriously consider making a donation to get the lights on and the doors open again at the Mars library.

— EF