Hammond library closed due to water damage
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A burst sprinkler pipe has caused what officials are calling major damage to the Hammond Public Library. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report the library is expected to be closed for at least two weeks while crews work to repair the damage.
Hammond Public Library Board President Mary Wielgos told the publication the pipe burst on the second floor around 7 p.m. Sunday and flooded the building.
The library has hired a remediation company to help with repairs that include carpeting, ceiling tiles, drywall, electrical systems and lighting.
Wielgos said an estimated cost for the repairs is not yet known.
“I know there’s going to be lots of zeros behind it,” he told The Times. “This was a major catastrophe.”
However, Wielgos says the library was lucky in that only a small number of books were damaged due to the pipe being at least 30 feet from the nearest book.
The library says it will coordinate with nearby libraries to allow patrons to need to make an in-person visit to go there while the Hammond library remains closed.