Sprinklers Malfunction, Cause $163K In Damage At Library: Officials

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — The Crystal Lake Public Library has reopened after a sprinkler head froze over the weekend and then went off after it warmed back up, leaving behind standing water inside the building and forcing the library to shut its doors through Wednesday morning.

The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue District was called to the library, 126 W. Paddock St., at 11:30 p.m. Sunday for an alarm after the building's fire suppression system activated.

"Upon arriving at the library, fire personnel saw water pouring out from the library’s staff entrance door, located on the east side of the building. Firefighters turned off the water leading to the fire suppression system," Stephanie Price, marketing manager for the Crystal Lake Public Library, told Patch in an email response. "A substantial amount of water filled several staff office areas on the east side of the building on the main level. Water also traveled down stairwells into the Ames meeting room and the lower level lobby near the elevator doors."

The flooding forced library administrators to close the library Monday and Tuesday. During that time, crews worked to clean up the water and dry out the affected areas with fans, air movers, HEPA filters and dehumidifiers, Price said.

The sprinkler system has since been repaired, and no library books, computers or other materials were damaged during the incident.

The flooding has caused an estimated $163,000 in damage, Price said.

The library reopened Wednesday morning to the public. The youth and adult services departments are accessible as is the circulation desk.

Meanwhile, many library programs have been canceled due to water damage in the Ames meeting room at the library. and those who registered for the programs have been contacted.

In addition, the main stairway and elevator are currently out of service and will likely be unavailable for the rest of this week.

"Any patrons with mobility concerns or strollers will not have access to the lower level. Patrons will be able to use an internal service stairway to access youth services," Price said. "Staff will work with any patrons who need help getting materials."

Anyone with information is asked to call the library at 815-459-1687 or visit the library website at clpl.org for more information or to chat with a library worker.