By Susan Bromley
Staff Writer
Brandon Twp.- Oh well.
Repairs to the library’s well, which are taking longer than expected, are testing the patience of patrons as well as employees.
“The board and the staff are clamoring for us to be back in business and serving the community,” said Library Director Rebecca Higgerson on Wednesday, which marked 14 days since the library closed. “We will be open the minute we have a satisfactory water report.”
The facility closed Jan. 25 and was expected to reopen after about 10 days, but heavy rains have forced a delay as Brown Drilling of Howell works to pump water out first in order to make the necessary repairs to the well located under the parking lot at 304 South St.
After repeated well breaks in the past three years, the library board approved a contract with Brown to replace the facility’s well pump, tank, and line at a cost not to exceed $30,000.
A lack of water to the building during the replacement of well components requires the library shutdown. Employees will continue to be paid during their hiatus as it was due to circumstances beyond their control. Most library programs will be rescheduled. Any items that come due during the closed period will not be assessed fines.
“We are so sorry it is taking so long, but we want to do it right the first time so we don’t have to go back and do the minor repairs we have had to do repeatedly over the last three years,” said Higgerson. “Our parking lot was built on a swampy area, that is part of the issue. The whole thing has been a challenge. We appreciate that Brown accepted the bid and they’re doing the best they can. We are confident we’ll be up and running shortly.”
Check the library’s website, www.brandonlibrary.org and the library’s Facebook page for updates as the library will open as soon as work is completed.