By By Arthur McLean
As Atmore and surrounding areas began to clean out, the Atmore Public Library was just beginning the long process of drying out.
Hurricane Ivan did substantial damage to the library, said Joyce Boldin, library director. The library's roof was damaged in the high winds and the building's interior suffered water and moisture damage.
"We don't really know what we've lost yet," Boldin said. "Just about everything has to be removed or replaced."
Early estimates put at least half of the library's collection of 70,000 books as damaged from water and moisture. "The books just absorb the moisture from the air, and mold and mildew can grow, ruining them," Boldin said.
The roof needs repair, the ceiling and many light fixtures will have to be replaced, along with wallpaper, carpet and other items. Boldin said the library's staff is still compiling all the damage.
Because of the extensive damage, the library will be closed until further notice. Boldin is asking people to have library books to hang on to them for now. "We just don't have the ability to take them back right now," she said.
The library is suspending late fees and will ask for the books back when it can take them again.
Work began Monday on the roof repair and water damage repair. Thomas Roofing of Mobile arrived to begin patching the roof, and BMS Catastrophe has begun the process of drying out the building.
No estimates were available for the dollar amount of damage the library sustained.