CULLMAN, Ala. – A line of severe storms on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, caused widespread power outages with fallen trees and downed power lines, as well as structural damage to many homes and businesses through the area. One building in particular that serves as a hub for the community at large was affected, the Cullman County Public Library, located at 200 Clark St. NE.
Windowpanes were blown out, and the south-facing wall sustained impact damage, toppling tall, heavy bookshelves.
According to Assistant Director Josie Harrington, the damage could have been a lot worse.
“Fortunately the damage wasn’t as bad as it could have been,” she said. “That first look when the damage occurred was quite scary!”
Harrington also shared that while she is crossing her fingers that the books shelved on the south-facing wall should be easy to dry and repair, the serious undertaking will be in cleanup, and in making sure that library patrons can maintain access to crucial services the library provides.
“The biggest struggle I think is that we have several people who rely on the library for access to computers. For those still wanting to check out materials or use computers, we do still have our other branches that should be open, and we have our digital collections on Hoopla and Libby for patrons to explore,” she said.
Patrons with items checked out can still return them to the book drop outside while the library is closed for repairs.
To stay up to date on repairs to the Cullman County Public Library, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cullmancountypubliclibrarysystem.
Copyright 2023 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
