The recent torrential rains didn’t cause the Mamaroneck Public Library to flood, it was an overflowing toilet.
The library suffered damages after a toilet flooded the children’s room on the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 11. Library workers discovered the flood Friday morning at around 9 a.m. According to library director Susan Riley, it is unclear whether the flood was caused by vandalism or if the toilet broke on its own.
“No one was hurt, and we didn’t lose any books or materials,” said Riley, who has been spending the last few days meeting with plumbers, painters and other professionals to help alleviate the damage.
The children’s room, the circulation area and the art gallery areas were affected most heavily by the flooding. Riley told the Review that sections of carpet will have to be replaced, walls will need new sheetrock and many of the soffits are damaged.
The library reopened at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 16, during the weeklong winter break for area schools. Riley said that the children’s room is currently closed, but the library has dedicated a community room to children’s activities.
“[During the school break] is the worst possible time this could happen,” Riley said.
The Mamaroneck library, located at 136 Prospect Ave., is a special district library—its own separate entity apart from the village, which presents a budget every December to be voted on by residents.
The library’s insurance carrier is expected to cover the costs of the damages.
“It’s an inconvenience, but it’s not the end of the world,” Riley said.
