The Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Public Library has a tentative reopening date of July 18 as repairs are ongoing to fix damage to the building’s roof and electrical system after a lightning strike resulted in a fire July 1.
The library has been closed since the event took place.
After investigating the incident, county officials found that none of the library’s collections were damaged during the incident.
While the library is hopeful to open its doors once again July 18, Kathleen Cohen, Friends of the Library of Ponte Vedra Beach co-president, believes programming at the facility will begin to be scheduled again in August.
According to John Cellucci, Ponte Vedra Beach Municipal Service District trustee, because the fire was more of a “smoldering” one it was not enough to set off the sprinklers inside the library.
However, St. Johns County fire and rescue crews were able to extinguish the fire once arriving on scene and received help from Duval County fire stations as well.
According to the St. Johns County Public Library System, all items currently checked out will not be due or accrue fines during the closure period and all holds will be delayed.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of online options and databases while the library remains closed, including checking out e-books.
The bookmobile also makes stops throughout the county. A list of those upcoming stops and hours of each branch can be found by going to sjcpls.org.
