The Crystal Lake Public Library sustained over $150,000 in damage after the sprinkler system malfunctioned and flooded the building, forcing the library to close for two days.
The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department responded around 11:30 p.m. Sunday to an alarm at the Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 West Paddock Street.
Crystal Lake Public Library Marketing Manager Stephanie Price said the library building’s fire suppression system had been activated.
Two sprinkler heads sprayed water and flooded staff and patron areas.
Firefighters arrived to find water pouring out from the library’s staff entrance door located on the east side of the building, Price said.
Firefighters shut off the water leading to the fire suppression system.
A substantial amount of water filled several staff office areas on the east side of the building on the main level, Price said.
Water also traveled down stairwells into the Ames meeting room and the lower level lobby near the elevator doors.
Library administrators were forced to close the library on Monday and Tuesday while crews worked to clean up the water.
An initial estimate of the water removal and restoration work was $163,000, Price said.
Over 90 air movers, 17 HEPA air scrubbers, a dehumidifier and a couple of generators are operating. Several areas of the building are cordoned off with plastic sheeting.
The building’s sprinkler system has since been repaired.
“Fortunately, no library books, computers or other materials were damaged by the water,” Price said.
Library administrators reopened the library for its regular hours to the public on Wednesday.
Many library programs have been canceled due to water damage in the Ames meeting room.
Price said the main stairway and elevator are out of service and will likely be unavailable for the rest of the week.
Any patrons with mobility concerns or strollers will not have access to the lower level.
Patrons will be able to use an internal service stairway to access Youth Services and staff will work with any patrons who need help getting materials.