FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2024
Catastrophic Damage at Post Falls and Athol Libraries
Catastrophic damage caused by freezing in the Post Falls and Athol Library buildings are estimated to take 4-6 months for repair. “The total damage could near a million dollars, it is still too early to say, the total cost estimates for facilities should be back in about a month. The adjusters are very busy right now with so many claims,” says Director Alexa Eccles.
In Community Library Network’s more than 40+ year history, the district has never experienced such a great loss to a facility or services. Library staff have submitted claims with the library’s property insurer, Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP). Post Falls Library has $5,614,737.00 coverage on the building, $1,099,702.00 on contents and the Athol Library has $831,094.00 coverage on the building, $357,575 on contents. The library has a $2,000 deductible per occurrence.
“The library is extraordinarily lucky to have such a great team helping us right now. From ICRMP, our insurance company, to adjusters and contractors, they have all been committed and professional. We have received every assurance that our library buildings and collections will be restored, it is just going to take time. We could not ask for a kinder or more understanding and compassionate response from community members. Our hearts go out to other businesses and community members in the same boat. We understand the incredible stress and sense of loss, it is heartbreaking and emotional,” says Director Eccles.
“The most difficult areas to talk about are the impact of this devastation on staff and the loss of public programs like Storytimes and access to over 100,000 books and internet enabled computers in two of our busiest and fastest growing communities,” says Director Eccles.
Library staff have already removed over 1,000 items severely damaged by water. Staff estimate deleting wet items this week and into next week with a total of the thousands of items lost mainly housed at the Post Falls Library. Boxing up the library’s collections, furnishings and technology is the next step. This work begins with BELFOR Property Restoration on Friday at the Athol Library and February 12th at the Post Falls Library. After the equipment is removed, demolition can begin. “It is important that we remove the wet drywall and carpet as soon as possible. The humidity in the building remains very high. Moisture and books are not a good combination, we want to ensure no further damage occurs to the collection,” concludes Eccles.
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Cassie Robertson
Communications Coordinator
Community Library Network
cassier@communitylibrary.net
208.773.1506 ext. 323