Carlingwood library reopening after lengthy flooding repairs

Carlingwood library reopening after lengthy flooding repairs

One room, some children's collections still under repairs

The Carlingwood branch of the Ottawa Public Library will reopen on Monday, Sept. 14 after several weeks of repair work, according to the library's CEO.

Sonia Bebbington, chief executive officer and chief librarian, provided an update on repairs and "significant progress" to that and the Nepean Centrepointe branch during Tuesday night's Ottawa Public Library Board meeting.

Both branches were both damaged after record-breaking rain and flooding on July 1.

"The damage at Carlingwood required replacement of flooring, furniture, shelving, drywall and other infrastructure," Bebbington said, explaining that they are still finishing some of the work.

Starting on Wednesday, before the reopening, there will be an exterior book return at Carlingwood.

When the branch itself reopens, some children's collections and the program room on the lower level will be unavailable.

The Centrepointe branch partially reopened on July 30 with modified services. Bebbington said the lower level remains closed for restoration work but that work is expected to finish later this fall.

"The messages, questions and notes of support from the community have been a really powerful reminder of how important both branches are to the people who use them," the CEO said.