Flooded Bridgewater Library To Reopen After Drying Out

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Bridgewater Library branch is reopening Thursday at 1 p.m. after being flooded from the torrential rains that hit the area during Monday night's storm.

"Water literally shot up through the floor clean-out access point with several inches of rain water spreading rapidly across the adult area of the branch," stated SCLSNJ Library Administrator Brian Auger on Facebook. "Quick thinking staff and helpful customers moved computers, unplugged power strips and moved furniture away from the racing tide. The remediation experts are applying fungicide and antibacterial treatments to the carpets as they dry and will be inspecting the electrical boxes."

Fans have been used to dry out the library.

"We apologize for the inconvenience of the closure and want thank our community for their ongoing patience, understanding, and support," said Edward Hoag, branch manager for SCLSNJ's Bridgewater Library branch. "We want to ensure that we're maintaining a safe environment before reopening. We're confident that we'll meet all necessary health and safety standards to open at 1 p.m. on Thursday."

(Photo, Somerset County Library System NJ)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.