Sue Cowan Williams Library Re-opens After Fire Repairs
The Sue Cowan Williams Library in Little Rock, Arkansas, has re-opened after a week of closure due to repairs following an intentional fire. According to officials from the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), the library re-opened its doors on September 5, following an intense cleanup effort after the incident on August 25.
The investigation revealed that the suspect, captured on surveillance footage, entered the restroom shortly before closing time on August 24. They climbed into the ceiling, hiding until the next day, when they set multiple fires in the library. Fortunately, the suspect’s access was limited, preventing more extensive damage. The fire, which started in a utility closet, was quickly extinguished by a responder using a fire extinguisher.
The temporary closure saw significant efforts to fix the damage, with up to 15 workers involved in the cleanup at a time. This included dismantling and cleaning the HVAC equipment to remove smoke residue. While the main library area remained intact due to a locked access door, the smoke and fire still caused ,000 in damages.
In the meantime, essential services like after-school meals were temporarily relocated to Dunbar Middle School. The community is expected to welcome the library’s return, which had only recently reopened in April after extensive renovations. The Central Arkansas Library System stated that the community will again embrace the library, recognized for its commitment to programming and community activities.
The library’s grand reopening in April included a Family Dinner Night fundraising event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a Neighborhood Block Party. The renovations had added a new entrance, a demonstration kitchen, and dedicated spaces for teens and employees.
As the library resumes its operations, officials and library staff acknowledge the importance of community support and the resilience of the Sue Cowan Williams Library in the face of this unfortunate incident.
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