‘Heartbroken’: Sisters Library flooded by likely burst pipe after bitter cold, closed for cleanup and repairs
Major remodel had been completed last fall
SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The recently remodeled Sisters Library had to close on Wednesday after a "significant water leak" flooded parts of the building, likely due to a burst pipe after recent days of bitter sub-zero cold, officials said Thursday.
The leak was discovered Wednesday morning, with standing water found in the community room and the children’s area, officials said.
The cause is still under investigation, but early assessments point to a burst pipe, which happened during the recent cold snap that sent temperatures plummeting into sub-freezing territory for days.
The Sisters Library will remain closed while contractors and disaster mitigation services work to ensure that any leaks are repaired and that all structures and furnishings are dried or replaced if needed, the Deschutes Public Library stated.
“Staff are just heartbroken with this situation,” said library Director Todd Dunkelberg. “But we are working closely with our contractors to repair the damage and are eager to reopen again as soon as possible.”
Dunkelberg says that at this time they do not have a reopening date for the Sisters Library, which had just undergone a major remodel and staged a grand reopening celebration last fall, as are all libraries under a voter-approved funding measure.
“We are in the early stages of assessing the damage, so are reliant on our contractors to continue their exploration and repair,” Dunkelberg said. “We will keep the public updated as to the progress of the repairs via our website and social media channels.”
The external book drop at the Sisters Library remains open, so customers can still return their checked-out materials. Sisters customers can still access eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital resources online via the library’s website (www.deschuteslibrary.org). Other libraries remain open; hours and locations can also be found on the library’s website.
