Library re-opens after serious damage

The Sisters Library re-opened last week after a month-long closure following extensive water damage from a broken pipe. The children’s area and the community meeting rooms remain out of commission as damage was more extensive than first assessed.

It was originally thought that the building would be reopened in two weeks.

“Fortunately no books were lost and the children’s area books were on rolling shelving so we were able to move them into the main section for the time being,” said Todd Dunkelberg, Deschutes County Library director.

Dunkelberg said that efforts to dry out the carpet and underlayment were unsuccessful. The carpet and particle board that are layered above plywood sub-floor will have to be replaced.

“It will be some time in March,” he estimated. “It looks like the mill has enough of the carpet in stock which will help reduce the time.”

The damage is at least $100,000, but the loss is fully insured.

Other than the loss of meeting space, all other library operations have resumed.