Library children’s area, community room under construction after recent flood damage
by Amber Countryman, Sumner Newscow — Following the recent May floods, the Wellington Public Library received considerable damage to the downstairs area, which contains the children’s library and community room.
“As a combination of ground flooding and a sump pump failure, that both worked toward the flooding of the library,” said Tom Kohmetscher, Wellington Public Library Board president. “While we got water over a good portion of the floor, destroying the carpet and much of the sheetrock, the library staff and volunteers got to work immediately and were able to get the books out of the high moisture content rooms, and moved to a dry place for storage. At this point, it looks like most of the children’s books can be salvaged.”
Eagle Construction was able to start work immediately on drying the rooms, pulling up carpet and replacing sheetrock. Jeff Brungardt of Wellington worked on the electrical portion, and Chew Plumbing was also able to come right out.
“We are really blessed by the fact that we had local contractors willing to come work immediately — that made a big difference,” Kohmetscher said. “They had loads of calls but were still able to come right away. We are lucky in that regard.”
The library is expecting to be fully functional again by July 1. Until then, patrons can use the 7th Street entrance, and those needing assistance can ring the doorbell at the Jefferson Street entrance and a staff member will assist you.
A temporary children’s area has been set up near the adult circulation desk upstairs. The summer reading program activities will continue as planned, but story time on Wednesday mornings will be held outside on the lawn, weather permitting.
As immediate damage was addressed, some structural damage was uncovered.
“We are going to have to put foundation supports along the west side, and do significant excavation work to grade away from the building so that water won’t be backed up against it,” Kohmetscher said. “We got the immediate damage taken care of, but there are still a lot of projects left to work on. This will help address long-standing issues with the building and grounds.”
Recently, trees had to be removed from the grounds to get the drainage away from the building.
The library is accepting donations toward the renovation costs. Checks can be mailed to the library, or taken to the adult circulation desk.
“The building is such a gem, it’s just needing some tender loving care,” Kohmetscher said. “With what we’re doing, we’re hoping to make it a gem for another 150 years.”
