FERNDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY TO REOPEN

(2/15/2011)

Ferndale, MI February 14, 2011 – On Monday, February 21, 2011 the Ferndale Public Library will reopen at 9:00 am after being closed for repairs.  “We’re truly looking forward to this event,” said Douglas Raber, the Library Director.  “The new building had been open just long enough for us to see what kind of potential it had before we had to close because of the flood.”

On Thanksgiving Day, the library’s rainwater treatment system, on the mezzanine level of the library, malfunctioned. A hose connection failed, and the system continued to pump several thousand gallons of water from the underground rainwater cistern before the system shut down, flooding a significant area of the library.  Fortunately, no books, media, and public access computers were damaged.  “All the damage has been repaired.  We’ll take this week finish cleaning, putting things back where they belong, and making sure our technology is working,” Raber added.

“I’m delighted that the library will open next Monday!” said John Sterritt, President of the Ferndale Public Library Board of Trustees.  “Many people worked very hard to restore the building to its brand new condition,” he added. “I want to recognize the efforts of Penchansky Whisler Architects, Frank Rewold and Son construction managers and the specialized contractors, the generous help from City Hall, the patient determination of Dr. Raber and the library staff, and the work of the library board members.”

When the library opens it will be business as usual.  Next month the library will start its annual community-wide read program.  The book for this year’s Ferndale Reads is The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly.  More information about Ferndale Reads is on the library’s website at www.ferndale.lib.mi.us.

On Friday March 4, First Stop Fridays resume with appearances by Sheefy McFly and the Delorean and the Electric Lamp Rays.

Ed Burns, Head of Reference and designated Interim Director said, “If patrons have placed items on hold for pick up at other libraries and they have not yet arrived, they can send an email to ferndalepubliclibrary@gmail.com with their card number, and we’ll re-route them.”

Beginning February 21, 2011 and lasting until March 7, 2011 the Library is offering a general amnesty for overdue material.  Anything checked out from the Ferndale Public Library before it closed can be returned and no overdue fines will be charged.  After that, fines will be assessed for each day an item is overdue starting from March 7, 2011.

“We’re very excited about reopening,”Raber said.  “The staff has been busy preparing for this day and we invite everyone to stop in and say hello on President’s Day.  Get a book to read, check out a movie, or catch up on the latest local band.”