West Orange Library Set To Reopen After Sewer Backup Forces Closure

WEST ORANGE, NJ — No books were damaged. That’s one silver lining to a recent sewer backup that has temporarily closed the West Orange Public Library, administrators say.

The plumbing emergency took place on July 11, when “unclean water” seeped across 920 square feet in the lower level, according to a statement from the library’s director, David Cubie.

Township officials released more details about the damage in an update earlier this week:

“On Friday, July 11, 2025, the West Orange Public Library experienced a severe and unexpected plumbing emergency due to a sewer line backup. The incident affected approximately 920 square feet of the lower level with contaminated water, and odors extended into the Reference Desk area above. Library Director David Cubie and Public Works Director Louis Reynolds responded promptly and effectively, launching immediate remediation efforts to contain the damage. Their swift coordination helped limit the impact, and Mayor McCartney extended appreciation for their dedication and quick action for dedicated service to the community. For the health and safety of all visitors and staff, the library will remain closed through Sunday, July 20, 2025, as restoration continues. Necessary repairs include plumbing work, tile and flooring replacement, and glass services to fully restore the affected areas.”

LIBRARY DIRECTOR: ‘NO DANGER TO PUBLIC, STAFF’

Cubie issued an update on Friday, noting that the library will be reopening at its regular hours on Monday, July 21.

“The remediation cleaning is complete so there is no danger to public and staff,” Cubie wrote, adding that no books were damaged as a result of the incident.

“Thank you for your understanding and patience,” Cubie added.

Some additional updates from the library director include:

LOWER LEVEL CLOSED UNTIL REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED – “The carpet tiles covering 920 square feet have not been replaced yet. There are 159 boxes of books that will need to be shelved after five full height ranges of shelving have been put back into place once the carpet is replaced. Because of this only staff are allowed in the lower level at this time.”

GETTING BOOKS – “The majority of the collection is still on the shelves on the lower level. If you want something and it is available and not in boxes staff can get it for you. Don't forget, as a member of BCCLS materials that you want are likely available through our partner libraries.”

PRINTING STILL AVAILABLE – “Although the lower level computers are not available we still have some public computers upstairs from which you can print. Please ask staff for assistance.”

MORE INFO – “If you have any other questions, please contact the Library Director, David Cubie at dcubie@westorangelibrary.org.”

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