West Orange Library Closes After Sewer Backs Up, Spreads ‘Unclean Water’ Across Floor

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Cleanup continues at the West Orange Public Library after a sewer line backed up and spread dirty water in the building last week, officials say.

The plumbing emergency took place on Friday, when “unclean water” seeped across 920 square feet in the lower level, according to a statement from the library’s director, David Cubie.

The library will be closed until Sunday, July 20 due to the ongoing repairs. Staff will be working in the building all week from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Additional information in the statement included:

SAFETY OF PUBLIC AND LIBRARY STAFF – “Serv-Pro, a professional remediation company, was contacted immediately and remediation was begun that same day. Because this was done well within the 48-hour window, this avoids any mold concerns. There is no danger to [the] public and staff.”

PROGRAM IMPACTS – “Some library programs will be able to continue during closure in the community room. If you have questions about a program that you planned to attend, please email library staff. For children and teens email youth@westorangelibrary.org. For adults, email ref@westorangelibrary.org”

PICK UP MATERIALS – “If you received a notification that you have materials to pick up, please call the circulation desk 973-736-0198 ext. #4 or email circ@westorangelibrary.org to make arrangements to pick up your item(s).”

ROOM RESERVATIONS – “All room reservations are canceled. If you have questions, please contact Assistant Director Isabel Castro icastro@westorangelibrary.org”

Want to aid the recovery effort? Donations to the library can be made online here. For more information about the repair efforts and impact on programs, contact dcubie@westorangelibrary.org.

• See Related: West Orange Library Reopens At New Location
• See Related: NJ Supreme Court Rules On West Orange Library Dispute
• See Related: West Orange Library Reopening Sees More Snags, Funding Issues

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.