The downtown Kent Library is expected to reopen in early April after damages from a small fire and sprinkler system activation on Dec. 2.
“We are hoping to reopen the Kent Library by early April,” said Sarah Thomas, public relations specialist for the King County Library System, in a Feb. 24 email.
A fire at about 6 a.m. 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 three months.
“We are cleaning surfaces, materials, computers, equipment and furniture,” Thomas said. “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.
“Due to either fire, smoke and/or water damage, we had to fully or partially replace some walls in the back office, some ceiling tiles throughout the library and a portion of carpet in the front half of the library,” Thomas said.
Once building repairs are completed, library staff will return to prepare for the reopening.
Thomas said she did not have a cost for the repairs.
“The total project cost is still being calculated,” she said.
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