Americus Township Library to re-open soon
Lisa Lucero, Special to the Gazette
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Americus Township Library may be able to re-open sometime next month after building repairs and clean up is completed
A fire burned portions of the library March 1. The library has been closed to the public since.
In the meantime, library patrons can return their books in a book drop off slot located in the front entrance of the library, 710 Main Street. Patrons also can check out books at the Emporia Public Library and other surrounding libraries.
“We’ve got some that are worried about how they are going to get books because they read the large print and they don’t go to Emporia because of health reasons,” said Anita Westcott, director of Americus Township Library. “So they’re worried about new books to read.”
All of the damaged books are being restored at Stover’s Restoration in Wichita. Westcott said books are being wiped down and deodorized. Much of the carpet has been removed due to burns, stains and odor.
Don Duncan, vice president of the Americus Township Library Board, said the library has insurance to pay for the damages. The library had a preliminary estimate of $10,000 in damage to the structure and $15,000 in lost contents.
Most of the damage can be seen inside the front entrance of the library where wiring under a fish aquarium ignited and broke out into flames. The cause was an overloaded outlet.
“They had two surge protectors piggybacked,” said Tom Andrews, Emporia fire marshal. “One was plugged into the other, which was plugged into the wall.”
Westcott walked into the building five minutes before 1 p.m. March 1. As she entered the library, she noticed an unrecognizable smell. That was when the smoke detectors went off and she could see black smoke accumulating.
Three computers, light fixtures and a fax machine were destroyed. Westcott said five other computers were taken in for repairs. She is hoping each one is still useable.
Two of the five computers have patron information stored in them. The library does have a back up for all the patron information even if the computers are not repaired. North Central Library Systems will also assist the library with the information process.
“Everybody has been very supportive in everything and wanting us to get back open,” she said.