Two months after it was closed by a natural disaster, work is being done to get the Screven County Library back up-and-running.
On June 23, a technical issue with the nearby transformer stationed on a utility pole resulted in a fire, setting both the pole and nearby greenery ablaze, cutting power to the building. The building did not catch fire.
Repairs and cleanup of the area have begun. The library posted on Facebook on Aug. 24 pictures of a repair crew at the library and the caption "For those of you who have been wondering about whether we would ever get back into our library building, the answer is yes, after these folks finish up!" The pictures show electrical equipment, workers moving in and out of the building, and branches and greenery from around the transformer being hauled away.
Screven County Manager Lori Boulineau said on Monday, Aug. 29, that they have not determined a re-opening date yet because they are currently trying to get the power back on in order to know the full scale of whatever damage the fire caused.
In early July, the library temporarily moved operations to Ogeechee Technical College.
They have a small collection in the college’s boardroom, and any readers with specific requests can ask library staff to grab a copy of whatever they need from the library across the street. The library is also still getting new materials, which are featured on its social media. Those include "Flood" by Alvaro Villa and the Jane Adams Yoga DVD "Balance and Strength."
OTC is also giving library patrons access to their computer lab, and the temporary location got printing, faxing and scanning services in early August.
Books can still be dropped off in the box outside the library or at the OTC location. Until they fully re-open, there will be no late fees.
A phone line for the temporary location was established on July 20. Those interested can call (912) 564-7526. However, calls from the library will be shown as (912) 425-0436.
The temporary location is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Ogeechee Technical College is located at 107 South Community Drive in Sylvania.