Moses Lake library remains closed

Staff offers books outside in afternoons

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Library remains closed due to a problem with its sump pump, but that isn't keeping its staff from operating.

Library branch Manager Connie Kuhlmann originally anticipated the motor parts to repair the pump would be in place and the building reopened this week, but now expects the library to remain closed through Tuesday.

"As long as they can get parts," Kuhlmann said. "They're trying to get parts from the Midwest."

But that doesn't mean people cannot check out books.

Patrons may browse carts outside the library and pick up their books on order from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, and then probably not on the weekend, Kuhlmann said.

"We'll play it by ear next week," she said. "Probably on Monday we'll do this, but the City of Moses Lake indicated it might last longer."

Internet and catalog services are not available, but staff will look up books.

"We're just going to have a few things out here for them to check out, they can come and do pick-ups, they can drop off books, just minimum, just to let the community know we're giving it our best shot," Kuhlmann said. "We'll give it a try."

Since the pump problem occurred before the Labor Day holiday weekend, Kuhlmann said people have not been aware the library was closed since Thursday afternoon.

"The book drop's been real heavy and our phone system is so old, we couldn't put a message on an answering machine," she said.

There have been community discussions about renovating or replacing the library facility.

"It does have something to do with the building's age," Kuhlmann said. "The parts are hard to get because it's 50 years old and they're having trouble tracking something down that will be compatible with what they've already got. So whether that will translate into, 'Yes, we need a new building,' or 'No, they just need to change the whole sewer system,' I don't know."

"We've never had anything quite like this where we closed and tried to stay open," North Central Regional Library Director of Public Services Dan Howard said. "I think this is a first for all of us, but it sounds like fun, and we're going to give it a try here."

Howard said staff will go inside to get anything they can for patrons and order anything not readily available.

"Our understanding is it's safe to be in the building," Howard said, noting the Health Department said it was OK to be inside. "However, we don't have bathrooms available for folks, so it's really not appropriate for the public to be in there, but it's OK for staff."

Moses Lake residents Ron and Mary Fenich were amongst the patrons browsing the carts.

"I think it's wonderful, because people come down, they want to take something home with them," Ron Fenich said. "We were just passing by, and I said, 'Let's go over, they're selling books.'"

That was a common misconception by people Tuesday afternoon, inquiring as to where the prices were. The books outside are not for sale, but they are available for checkout.