Tredyffrin library reopened after flood

The Tredyffrin Public Library reopened Thursday almost a week after plumbing malfunctions caused a flood in the library, which has been trying to determine how to address its $100,000 deficit.

A faulty valve and a blockage deep in the library's sewer system caused tens of thousands of gallons of water to spill out of the women's restroom Friday morning shortly before the building was due to open, destroying carpets and couches and damaging some shelves and drywall.

Library officials are working with their insurance company.

The library has been planning fundraisers to help manage growing operational costs and reductions in revenues, said Michael Packard, director of Tredyffrin Township Libraries, which also includes Paoli Library.

Waste water flowed into the nonfiction and fiction sections and the staff work room. The carpets in the affected areas have been removed and need to be replaced. The affected area has been blocked off.

No books were damaged and all materials and equipment, including the popular fax machines, scanners and computers, are available to library guests, Packard said.

A holiday choir concert that was supposed to take place on Monday has been rescheduled for Dec. 8.

- Michaelle Bond