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Construction Updates

Monday, September 14, 2026

Dear BPL Community, we are pleased to share that the flood repairs and restoration work on the lower level are now complete. Youth Services and all affected areas have been fully restored and are ready for regular use. First, a heartfelt thank you to every member of the BPL staff. Their quick thinking, teamwork, and dedication on July 27th, when we received five inches of rain, and throughout the weeks of temporary arrangements that followed made an enormous difference. Special appreciation goes to the Youth Services team for their leadership and resilience, and to BPL staff across all departments who helped relocate services, rearrange spaces, reshelve, and clean materials, and keep library operations running smoothly.

We also extend our deep gratitude to the Board of Trustees. Their prompt declaration of the flooding as an emergency allowed us to move quickly with contractors and restoration work, ensuring a thorough and efficient recovery. What began as a difficult situation highlighted the strength of our BPL family.

Thanks also to the residents of Bloomingdale. Your patience, flexibility, and continued support made this successful recovery possible. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the fully restored lower level and returning to normal operations. Thank you again for everything you have done.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

During the storm that occurred in Bloomingdale on Monday, July 27th, the library lower level incurred significant water damage.

Steps Taken So Far

We immediately engaged an emergency restoration company, which removed carpet tiles and drywall in the most heavily impacted areas. They kept fans, dehumidifiers, and HEPA air filters running continuously through Saturday to thoroughly dry out the entire lower level. The restoration team has also installed plastic sheeting to isolate the worst-affected “restricted area,” roughly the area from the far end of the Youth Services desk back to the Emergency Exit where the water entered.

The Board of Trustees has officially declared the flooding an emergency, which allows us to move quickly in securing contractors for repair and renovation work.

Next Steps

This week we met with a general contractor we have used in the past. They have assessed the current conditions and will provide a detailed timeline for the repair and renovation process. We are reopening a large part of the library lower level on Wednesday, August 5.

Areas to reopen:

  • Youth Services Desk and shelving area from staircase to desk
  • Take 5 Zone
  • BPL Makerspace
  • Meeting Room B
  • Meeting Room C
  • Elevator
  • Public restrooms

Areas to remain closed:

  • Meeting Room A
  • Youth Services area past the desk to the emergency exit