Photo: Tatsiana Volkava / Moment / Getty Images
The Scotia branch of the Schenectady County Public Library system has partially reopened to the public after being closed for several weeks due to a burst heating pipe.
As of Tuesday (February 17), visitors can now access the front room of the library, which houses new and popular titles, adult fiction, public computers, and printing services. Essential account services including holds pickup, registration, and checkout have also resumed, according to NEWS10.
The library had been completely closed since January when heating pipes on the second floor burst during a period of extreme cold weather. The damage occurred during a weekend snow storm that brought prolonged freezing temperatures to the region.
"We appreciate the community's patience as we reopen safely and thoughtfully, while respecting the history of this treasured building," library officials stated.
Several areas of the building remain inaccessible as repairs continue. The meeting room and rear sections will stay closed while restoration work progresses with assistance from County Facilities staff. Complete restoration of the building is expected to take several more weeks.
During the closure, the library system made select materials from the Scotia branch available at other locations and temporarily reassigned staff to minimize disruption for patrons.
Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, had previously commented on the situation when the damage first occurred, saying, "We know how important our libraries are to the community, and we're working to reopen the Scotia Branch as safely and quickly as possible—while preserving the historic integrity of the beloved Abraham Glen House," according to the library's website.
The Scotia Branch Library has resumed its regular operating hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Patrons can also visit any of the Schenectady County Public Library's other eight branches while repairs continue.