Whew, we made it through!
 

Both the Post Falls and Athol Libraries experienced major water damage and flooding due to pipes rupturing in January.  The two facilities have remained closed since.  Getting back up and running will be no small feat.  Nearly 6,000 boxes are ready to pack up and temporarily store the more than 63,000 books and materials housed at the Post Falls Library alone.  

 

“It is looking more and more like the library’s insurance provider, ICRMP, will cover most repair costs for the Post Falls Library but will not provide enough funds to cover moving and replacing all of the books and materials that were a loss due to water damage,” states Director Alexa Eccles.  “The Athol Library is a much smaller facility and only a handful of books were destroyed.  It appears the library’s insurer will fund the expense of moving books, which will allow us to fast track this library’s repairs and reopening.” 

 

The Community has been very understanding, patient, and generous.   Staff are exploring options to restore convenience services such as pick up of holds and a book return prior to re-opening fully.  Post Falls Library is expected to be closed 6-8 months for repairs.  The Athol Library may reopen late summer.  “A fun summer reading program for children, teens and adults is already planned for both communities.  Many parks, schools and community centers will be utilized while our libraries are closed,” says Karen Yother, CLN’s Youth Services Coordinator.  “Reading in the summer is important for everyone but it helps children in particular stay mentally active and reduce a loss in learning over the out of school summer months.”