Mars library receives outpouring of community support after closure
Thanks to the generous support of the borough of Mars and the surrounding area, the Mars Area Public Library’s unexpected closure may be shorter than anticipated.
According to library director Janae Callihan, Mars-area residents and businesses have stepped up by providing money and supplies to assist the library in recovering from water damage it sustained as a result of last month’s winter storm.
“The outpouring of support has truly been overwhelming in the best possible way,” Callihan said. “The support from the Mars-area community and beyond has been incredible.”
Among the donations are salt from the Mars Home for Youth, calcium chloride flakes from Mars Agway and industrial fans from All Home Solutions. Some community members volunteered their services to chip ice from the gutters, while a crew from Lance Blankenship Roofing addressed the ice dam situation.
“We are also actively working with an individual who has generously offered their time and expertise to help advocate with our insurance provider regarding coverage,” Callihan said.
The library, located in a century-old building on Grand Avenue, initially closed Feb. 3 due to water damage from ice dams that formed along the roof of the building.
After closing for two days, the library reopened Feb. 5. The following day, it announced on social media that it would be closing “until further notice” as the scope of the repairs increased.
“With open wall cavities, air scrubbers and industrial fans with electrical cords running throughout the building, and active drying and remediation equipment in place, we did feel it was in the best interest of both staff and patrons to close again in order to properly evaluate, dry and assess next steps safely,” Callihan said.
Callihan said the library is aiming to reopen Tuesday, Feb. 17. The library would have closed Monday for Presidents Day, with or without the flooding.
“Fingers crossed that no unexpected issues arise during this time,” Callihan said. “However, we are reassessing daily to ensure everything is safe and ready for staff and patrons.”
The library provides a link to a donation form through its website, marsarealibrary.org, which residents can use to chip in any amount they can spare through their credit or debit card.
Callihan said the library still does not have an estimate for what the repairs could cost. However, Callihan estimates that the library has already spent $5,000 on “immediate remediation efforts,” with further work anticipated.
