Delaware: Georgetown Public Library's Recent History with Water

From job to sorrow in less than 2 months.

Let's hope things get back on track as quickly as possible.

To set the stage:  "New public library opens in Georgetown".  (Cape Gazette, 8/27/2010)

Link to August 30 Salisbury (MD) Times article, "Georgetown can't pay new library's water bill".

Excerpt: While the town wants very badly to support the Georgetown Public Library, Mayor Brian Pettyjohn said, it cannot foot the bill for the new facility's water and sewer usage.

"At this point in time we're waiting to see what the first month's utility bill looks like, then we'll figure out how we can help them," Pettyjohn said. "They just opened their doors [Aug. 9], so we don't know what the costs are yet."

The library, now in a 29,400-square-foot facility, recently moved from a 2,000-square-foot house built in 1926. During its time in the house, the town did not charge for water and sewer. Now, library officials are worried about a big bill.

Library Director Elaine Fike said her organization did not budget for water and sewer service.  


Link to September 27 WBOC News story, "Recently Opened Georgetown Library Damaged by Flooding".

Excerpt: Staffers at the recently opened Georgetown Library arrived to quite a surprise Monday morning.

A broken pipe flooded the first floor of the complex, soaking furniture and closing the library for the day, Board of Directors President Paul Enterline said. In a building known for its quiet, carpet cleaners and fans hummed as crews tried to soak up the moisture.

"It's an unfortunate occurrence," Enterline said. "These things happen. It appears a pipe broke. It's just as simple as that."

The pipe is located in the ceiling between the first and second floors but the exact cause of the break is unknown. Weather is not considered a factor.

The damage comes less than two-months after the library held its grand opening.