Published: August 01, 2008 10:46 pm      

AC leak closes library

Equipment, books spared major damage

CUMBERLAND — The Allegany County Library on Washington Street dodged two watery bullets this week, one of which closed the facility for two days, but neither of which caused any extensive damage to collections or equipment.

“The problems started Monday when an air-conditioning unit leaked water onto our second floor, damaging some tiles,” said Lisa McKenney, public services coordinator for the library system. “That water leaked through the floor above our children’s room, but the lips on the shelving above the books acted like a little umbrella so the collections didn’t get wet. Books and water don’t go together very well.”

The library closed Monday and Tuesday to dry out the carpets.

“Then on Wednesday I got here about 10 minutes before 8 and I heard drip, drip, drip,” McKenney said.

Hard overnight rain had found its way through a 3-inch hole in the flat roof.

“Hite Roofing came in this morning and found the hole,” McKenney said Friday. That water made its way through two locations, but neither was above book collections or computer equipment, according to McKenney.

“The water let off just about a foot before it reached some computers,” McKenney add-ed. “We’ve got some cosmetic things to take care of, but we are open.”