Caldwell Library To Reopen After Taking Storm Damage (UPDATED)

CALDWELL, NJ — UPDATE: The Caldwell Public Library announced that it will reopen on Monday, Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. and resume its regular hours of operation. Only the main (upper) level of the library will be open. Staff anticipate repairs to the lower level will take several months. A limited number of children's materials will be available, however patrons can request items from other libraries, as always. All programs will continue as scheduled. Patrons should not place returns in the book drops located outside of the library as these were submerged and need to be replaced. There will be no fines for materials that were due this week. Our original article follows below.

Homes, businesses and buildings throughout the Caldwells took serious damage during last weekend’s storm, including the Caldwell Public Library.

The heavy rain – about 4.9 inches in Caldwell - and resulting flooding hit the library hard. The building and all library programs will be closed and canceled all this week, including the Summer Reading Finale event, officials said.

The storm also caused major damage to the Caldwell Municipal Building and Community Center Parking Deck, Mayor Ann Dassing stated.

• See related article: Caldwell Municipal Buildings Take 'Major Damage' In Storm
• See related article: Storm Rips Essex County: Floods, Bridges, Trapped Cars (VIDEOS)

Caldwell Public Library Director Claudine Pascale gave an update on the emergency cleanup effort on Sunday evening:

“I met with two emergency cleaning companies and decided to go with BMS CAT since they have extensive experience working on large scale projects and documents restoration. They were also able to begin today while the other company couldn't start until Tuesday.”

Pascale said:

“BMS started cleaning the mud and water off of the floors and packaging up the damaged books about a half hour ago. Most of the books are fine, but the bottom shelf of the picture books were damaged, as well as the holiday books under the larger windows in the back of the room. There are about ten boxes in the local history archive that have water damage. They are being sent to a specialist to be dried and cleaned. Industrial strength dehumidifiers will be installed tonight, which should restore balance in the humidity by tomorrow.”

Pascale continued:

“Tomorrow the plan is for all of the books to be packed up since they will need to move the shelving to get to the walls. A two foot section will be cut out and new sheet rock installed to prevent mold growth. It seems we will need new doors and kitchenette as well. So far it seems our computers have not been compromised.”

The library director concluded:

“Thank you all for offering to help. At this time I'm just letting the company clean the floors. I'll be in touch if I will need help moving anything tomorrow.”

UPDATE: WANT TO MAKE A DONATION?

The library posted the following update to its Facebook page on Monday:

“We here at Caldwell PL are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the community. We are so grateful! At the moment we don't have the space to process and store book donations, as many people have offered. However, donations to the Caldwell Public Library Foundation will help us purchase books when we get closer to re-opening the Children's Room. (See the donation website here)”

The library continued:

“Unfortunately, we lost all of our toys and musical instruments in the flood. Ms. Kristen will continue with regularly scheduled story times, music and movement, and play group beginning Monday, August 20th, in the upper level meeting room.”

To help this endeavor, the library stated that its staff will gladly accept donations, which can be dropped off at the Caldwell Food Pantry this week, and in the library next week. Needed items include:

• toys for children ages 0-3
• rhythm sticks
• jingle bells
• egg shakers
• wooden puzzles

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Caldwells Facebook page here.

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File Photo: Caldwell Public Library