Louisville PL Fire Damage
Exceeds $1 Million
A fire at the Louisville (Ky.) Free Public Library main building downtown caused more than $1 million in damages September 18 in the basement technical services department, destroying as many as 10,000 new books.
Library Director Craig Buthod told the September 22 Courier-Journal the cost will cover rebuilding the basement’s rooms and fixing the damaged heating, cooling, lighting, and computer systems. In addition, another $100,000 to $200,000 will be needed to replace books and about 30 pieces of ruined computer equipment, library spokesman Jim Collings told the newspaper.
Fire inspectors believe the blaze was caused by a faulty fan or adapter, or a malfunction in the building’s electrical system. Library officials believe the damage is covered by insurance.
Most of the building was reopened by Wednesday and many of the 150 staff members who had been reassigned to branches returned to their regular duties.
Posted September 27, 1999.
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