HASTINGS, Mich. — The Hastings Public Library has been forced to temporarily shut its doors for repairs after two separate incidents of vandalism in the past two months, with the most recent event causing extensive damage to the building.
Library officials said that over the past week, they have been dealing with a severe plumbing issue caused by someone stuffing feminine products and unused contraceptives down the toilet. The blockage led to major flooding inside the library, affecting both public areas and sensitive rooms.
“The drain was plugged, and there was no place for the water to go but out onto the floor. It seeped under the walls into our electrical room, and then into our IT room,” said a library spokesperson. “The water came out into the hallway and into the workroom. Probably 85 to 90 percent of the workroom was covered in standing water,” said Peggy Hemerling, the library's director.
The flooding affected most of the library’s workroom, with roughly 85 to 90% of the space submerged in standing water. The water damage spread throughout the building, threatening vital equipment in the library’s electrical and IT rooms.
In the aftermath, the library has removed damaged drywall and carpet from the affected areas. While the full cost of the repairs is still being assessed, officials are working to restore the space as quickly as possible.
The library expects to reopen to the public on Friday, Dec. 6, just in time for the Hastings holiday celebration.
