During heavy storms on Thursday, September 3, the lower level of the Oakmont Carnegie Library took on eight inches of water, mud, and debris. Library staff took swift action, and mitigation efforts by ServiceMaster began the same evening.
The Oak and Acorn rooms, the Pudgie Wudgie Makerspace, and the Squirrel’s Nest bookstore sustained significant damage, and the lower level will remain closed until mold remediation and electrical repairs are completed. All on-site events will be canceled, postponed, or relocated until further notice. Check our Library Events page for updates. Fortunately, the library collection remains intact, and the main floor is expected to reopen on Monday, September 14.
The library staff and board are deeply grateful for the support of Oakmont and Verona residents and business owners. Special thanks to Mystery Lovers Bookshop, which is donating 10 percent of all in-store proceeds on Friday, September 11, and 10 percent of all in-store and online proceeds on Saturday, September 12, to the library. Additionally, Oakmont resident and cartoonist Joe Wos will be donating 100 percent of proceeds from in-store sales of his canvas prints and stickers on September 11 and 12 to the library.
Other local business owners and neighbors have expressed interest in hosting fundraising events and providing drop-off sites for in-kind donations of toys, books, and supplies. To help streamline these efforts, we will be sharing a wish list via the Oakmont Carnegie Library website, email newsletter, and social media in the coming days.
Though the library is currently unable to accommodate volunteers on site, we encourage community members to complete our online form to indicate their interest and availability. We will reach out to prospective volunteers with project details and dates as they are determined.
In the meantime, the single best way to help is through a donation to the Love Your Library campaign. Every gift made to the Oakmont Carnegie Library through Wednesday, September 30 will be partially matched by the Jack Buncher Foundation, amplifying its impact.
The library staff and board are working hard to bring valuable library resources back to the community as quickly—and safely—as possible. Please follow the library on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and join our email list for timely updates. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you back!
