The downtown Kent Library will reopen Monday, April 4 after being closed since Dec. 2 when a small fire and the sprinkler system activation damaged the facility.
A King County Library System spokesperson announced the reopening in a March 21 email.
A fire at about 6 a.m. Dec. 2 in the book drop caused smoke and water damage to the library, 212 Second Ave. N. The library closed that day and has remained closed for nearly four months.
Crews had to clean surfaces, materials, computers, equipment and furniture, said Sarah Thomas, spokesperson for the library system. Although the fire damage was contained in the back office, smoke from the fire affected other parts of the library. The sprinkler discharge also caused water damage in some locations.
Fire and water damaged walls and the carpet, Thomas said. Some walls had to be replaced as well as ceiling tiles and a portion of the carpet.
The cost of the repairs so far is $804,503, Thomas said. She added they are still calculating the total cost.
The library’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and closed on Sunday.
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