350 Books Damaged In Gig Harbor Library Fire

GIG HARBOR, WA - About 350 books and other library items were damaged in a fire that was set this week inside the drop box at the Gig Harbor library. Thankfully, the library's fire suppression system contained the fire to the book drop, and the rest of the building was unscathed.

Pierce County Library System spokesperson Mary Getchell said that the book drop will be out of service through July 15.

"With the significant damage to the book drop room and now cleanup and repair to that area the disruption to service is only to use of the book drop. We estimate the book drop will be closed through July 15. During that time, we are asking people to bring their books and other items to return into Gig Harbor Pierce County Library’s inside book drop during open hours," Getchell said in an email.

The library's lobby is also open mornings 8:30 to 10 a.m. for dropping off materials, Getchell said.

According to Gig Harbor police, someone set off fireworks in the book drop on July 4. Firefighters found remnants of the device used to set the fire at the scene.

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