When the fire main pipe broke in Centennial’s Koelbel Library on June 23, South Metro Fire Rescue responded quickly and repaired the pipe before extensive water damage could be done.
Minimal damage to the building included drywall, installation and carpet. The library’s collection was not damaged at all.
There was no permanent damage due to the quick action of the library staff and fire department, said Jessice Sidener, the Arapahoe Libraries’ director of marketing and communications.
“Water came in pretty quickly,” Sidener said. “It entered the boiler room, the janitor’s closet, part of the staff area and a small portion of the lower level.”
The pipe was repaired the evening after it burst and the next day-and-a-half was spent ventilating the area, including the walls and flooring. A mold test was also performed and came back with negative results.
The library reopened for normal operations at 1:30 p.m. on June 26.
Sidener said she’s grateful visitors were able to rely on nearby libraries while Koelbel was closed.
“The fact that we have such a gracious community and our neighboring library facilities (like) Castlewood and Southglenn was super helpful,” she said.
The library is operating under its regular hours while still painting and replacing drywall work continues.