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Date: 8/8/2023
AMHERST — After incurring damage from the end of July heavy rains, Jones Library reopened on Aug. 2 after closing the doors for less than a week. Heavy rain over the July 29 weekend led to leaks from the library’s atrium, which flooded the main floor down to the building’s lower level.
Library Director Sharon Sharry reported the rain was heavy enough that the atrium’s drainage system was unable to keep pace, so water overflowed into the main floor with an inch of water accumulating onto the carpet and leaking into the basement.
The fire suppression system charged after a smoke detector got wet, filling pipes with water which ultimately led to a pipe bursting due to the pressure.
In her update on the damage, Sharry made note of the prompt response by Amherst Fire, who located the leak and shut off the water.
With the building closed through the weekend and into the beginning of the week, library staff vacuumed the flood areas deployed fans and dehumidifiers while inspection and repair crews addressed the affected areas of the library.
Damage was reported to at least one computer terminal with no permanent loss of content. Library officials also said Special Collections was not affected.
In her update for the community, Sharry indicated she was informed by the fire suppression technicians that such an event could happen again as the pipes are at the end of their life.
The library was approved this year for expansion and renovation and the flood damage highlights the need for renewal said Trustees President Austin Sarat.
“This incident underscores the urgent need to renovate,” Sarat said. “Delays not only make the project cost more but put our collections and programs at ever increasing risk.”
Part of the renovation plans include the replacement of the atrium with a multi-level program space as well as fire alert and suppression upgrades.
“While I am relieved that the damage was not worse, the Jones Library is more than our collections,” Sarat said. “Closing the library disrupts ESL conversation classes, children’s story time, teen lounge, coding club for girls, just to name a few programs scheduled for this week. Our community relies on the Jones as a place to gather and learn.”