The Washington Public Library is unlocking its door today for patrons after an interior display window fell and shattered a week ago, causing significant damage to property.

Library Director Bryna Walker says the staff had to discard four shelves of books each in the children and adult collection areas. These books will be replaced, and other shelves and the carpet have been vacuumed by a professional cleaning service. Due to the severity of the shattered glass, the library will be replacing the carpet throughout the whole library area-by-area in the coming months. In the meantime, shoes are required to be worn at all times in case of the possibility of small pieces of glass coming up through the current carpet. The children’s area will be closed off at this time, and children’s books can be requested by phone, through the catalog, or by communicating with staff. Other areas of the library will be closed intermittently for reconstruction or carpet laying, and the library will keep the public informed of these changes.