The Jaffrey Public Library has again extended its closure after a recent lightning strike, as more damaged systems are uncovered and COVID-19 delays orders for equipment for repairs.
The library has announced the physical building will remain closed through Oct. 15.
As contractors have continued to assess and repair damage to the library caused by a lightning strike that is believed to have traveled through the internet line, additional damage has been uncovered.
“It’s been an interesting process. There have been multiple systems – unrelated systems – where contractors have identified damaged circuit boards, replaced them, and everyone thinks it’s going to be a great day. Then we put power to it, and a fuse somewhere else blows,” said Library Director Julie Perrin in an interview Monday. “But my understanding is that this is very common with lightning strikes, that it’s not until you fix one thing that you see something else.”
Perrin said repairs to the elevator Friday resulted in additional blown fuses when contractors attempted to test the system.
“We just had a lot of bad news, one thing after another,” Perrin said, of system repairs.
The library continues to be without services including the elevator, climate control, and IT infrastructure. A portion of the heating, venting and cooling system has been repaired, but the portion providing heat for the top floor of the building is still not operational – and the parts needed to repair it may not be in for several months due to order and shipping delays caused by COVID-19.
“A lot of the damage we’re dealing with is electronic, and electronics are experiencing major back orders and shipping delays due to the pandemic, and that’s definitely a factor in this,” Perrin said.
Perrin said that while the HVAC system is crucial for the library, as it provides air circulation and is part of the library’s COVID-19 safety measures, the library’s main boiler is functioning, and will provide enough heat for the building that the loss of heating upstairs won’t result in frozen pipes.
Though slow, some progress is being made, including intermittent access to public Wi-Fi outside of the library building.
“I know it’s frustrating for the public,” Perrin said. “We were open for the summer and back to in-person programming, and I know it’s a disappointment. If we can open, I will do that as soon as I can.
As is the case since the strike occurred, while the library building is closed, patrons can still receive curbside service to pick up books reserved by phone or online. Library staff continue to report to work and can retrieve items to deliver to patrons who reserve a time online through the library’s Grab & Go Service, a program started when the library building was closed during COVID-19 shutdowns.
Some programs, including story time and the weekly mahjong group have been moved outdoors, and will continue as long as the weather allows.
The library is moving forward with its Fall Fun Day, currently scheduled for Oct. 16, on the library lawn. The event, scheduled between 11 a.m. an 1 p.m., will include the annual Halloween book giveaway, arts and crafts, drop-off for the TEAM Jaffrey Scarecrows on the Common event, and live music, as well as access to a COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
Those who drop off their scarecrow for the Scarecrow on the Common event receive a free voucher for a McDonald’s ice cream.
The library and Civic Center are hosting a free pumpkin painting craft. Bob Jordan will provide live music.
The outdoor vaccination clinic, provided by the Greater Monadnock Public Health Network, will offer the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. They will only offer the first or second dose. No appointment is needed.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.