Louisville Main Library Reopens Earlier Than Expected
After $5M in flood damage, Labor Day reopening was planned
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 08/31/2009
- Flood after torrential rain August 4
- New safety plan
- Only first floor of building is open
While officials at the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) said earlier this month that the flood-damaged Main Library might not open until Labor Day, speedy work by staff and contractors got the building open August 27—as anticipated, only on the first floor, given the ongoing need for repairs to elevators and other building systems.
“We are especially grateful to the Fire Marshal for his help in devising a new public safety plan that allowed us to reopen the library earlier than expected,” said library director Craig Buthod.
The flash flood based on torrential rain August 4 cause the library to suffer more than $5 million in damage, the worst-hit building downtown. During a ceremony, Buthod was joined by Mayor Jerry Abramson, who said that “the Main Library is a proud symbol of what an important community asset our libraries are. It’s great to have her back.”
Several changes have been implemented, including use of temporary air conditioning equipment positioned outside to send air into the building via ventilation tubes. The main floor now houses a new non-fiction collection, given the inaccessibility of the second floor. The entire building is expected to reopen by the end of the year.
The LFPL Foundation has received nearly $100,000 in donations and is seeking more; it remains unclear how much will be needed in addition to insurance payments.
