By Dyana Costello Banks
Special to the Tribune
The Rabun County Public Library (RCPL) is closed until further notice due to a water pipe that burst during the extended cold weather over the Christmas holiday.
The building, located at 73 Jo Dotson Circle, Clayton, suffered water damage.
The burst pipes were discovered on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when a staff member was at the library to collect items from the book drop over the holiday weekend.
The county was immediately contacted and volunteers from EMS, the Fire Department, and other county employees came in and moved shelving and furniture from the standing water.
The county’s quick response helped mitigate additional damage and we are truly grateful.
Restoration of the building has already begun and the county is keeping the branch manager updated on what is happening.
While the library is closed, the staff have been in training and visiting other libraries in the region to help better serve the community.
Library patrons can access the digital library and resource online links are available at rabuncountylibrary.org or visit one of the other Northeast Georgia Regional Library System’s other locations.
Rabun County patrons can visit any PINES library; the closest location is the Clarkesville-Habersham County Library, 178 East Green Street, Clarkesville; (706) 754-4413.
While visiting other libraries patrons can check out items and participate in library programs.
As for items checked out by patrons during this time, no fines will be accrued during the closure of the library.
Please wait until the library reopens to the public to return items at the RCPL. If you have issues with your card please visit our website to contact the library by email. All library programs and events have been canceled until further notice.
When more updates become available, they will be posted on the website, Facebook, Instagram, and library phone message.
The library staff is eager to open back up and serve the community. The staff thanks the public for its patience during this time.
Dyana Costello Banks is the branch manager of the Rabun County Public Library.