The Kent Panther Lake Library remains closed for repairs after a vehicle smashed into the building May 7. COURTESY PHOTO, King County Library System

The Kent Panther Lake Library remains closed for repairs after a vehicle smashed into the building May 7. COURTESY PHOTO, King County Library System

Kent Panther Lake Library remains closed for repairs

No reopening date yet for facility damaged May 7 by vehicle crash

The Kent Panther Lake Library remains closed until further notice after a vehicle crashed into the building more than six weeks ago.

“The damage is still being assessed,” said Sarah Thomas, public relations specialist for the King County Library System, in a June 17 email. “We don’t know the full extent of the repairs yet.”

A 37-year-old Kent man lost control of his vehicle and hit the west side of the building, 20500 108th Ave. SE, at about 2 a.m. May 7, according to Kent Police.

Thomas said a reopening date is still unknown. She also didn’t have an estimate about the cost of the repairs.

As far as how the costs will be covered, Thomas said the King County Library System leases the building. She said the repairs and insurance claims are being handled by the property owner and JLL Seattle, its management company.

Thomas said the building had suffered “significant structural damage.”

For reopening updates, go to kcls.org/news/kent-panther-lake-library-closed-for-repairs/.




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