When he arrived at the Attala County Library at 8:30 a.m. Saturday to check on the boiler that had undergone preliminary repairs on the prior Wednesday, Mid-Mississippi Regional Library System Director Josh Haidet was met by a sorry site — much of the library was flooded.
The gasket on the facility boiler, located in a second-floor mechanical room had given way and water was pouring out and down the wall to the first floor. More than 18 inches of water was in the elevator shaft and the computer lab. The IT office, reference coordinator’s office, circulation desk area and lobby were all flooded with more than an inch of water.
Haidet’s first action was to remove $80,000 worth of computer equipment that had recently been purchased for the region from its boxes. Fortunately, the packaging appears to have protected the equipment from damage.
ServPro was brought in and the firm was removing the water and cleaning carpets on Monday and Tuesday.
A temporary fix on the boiler was expected to restore heat to the building and allow the library to reopen Wednesday, after The Star-Herald deadline Tuesday.
It is unclear how long it will be before a permanent repair will be made to the boiler as parts are no longer made for the system. A new gasket will need to be manufactured for it.
The boiler issue is just the latest water-related challenge for the library staff, which has struggled to stem damage from roof leaks in the mystery section of the library. Despite several repairs the leaky roof in that area, those efforts have not been a permanent solution.
“Mr. Haidet saved the day by coming in to check,” said Head Librarian Charla Grace on Tuesday. “If it had waited until Monday, we would have lost so much more.”
Some Agatha Christie mysteries were lost, as were some children’s books slated to be given out at the library Christmas open house on Dec. 12, and a number of dvd cases will need to be replaced.
ServPro reported to library staff that it does not believe the flooring will buckle from the water.
“We’re hoping that the boiler will hold out until that new part is ready,” said Grace, “but it might be best to call before you come to the library.”
