Malesso' library to reopen next week after shut down for several months

The Malesso’ Public Library has been shut down since Typhoon Mawar. 

Now, nearly nine months later, they're set to reopen their doors next week. 

It's long awaited news for southern patrons, especially the Merizo Martyrs Memorial School community. The dolphins haven't been able to hold their after school program which usually takes place at the library.

What was the reason the library closed its doors for so long? 

Guam Public Library System Director Kris Seerengan said it was largely due to structural concerns after a large tree fell on the building.

“After Typhoon Mawar, we had tree damage. Most of the air conditioners were blown out…FEMA wanted to make sure that the building was structurally safe for the patrons to use the library so it was delayed for a while,” Seerengan said. 

The tree was cleared about two months ago. 

The damages include 2 air conditioning units valued at $4,000. 

Frank Lujan, the Chief Technology Officer for the Government of Guam's Office of Technology, said while it wasn't a cause for delay, the library was also facing internet challenges.

Lujan said, “Of course broadband is a key piece of it. They have been down for quite a while. For the most part, many areas in the south have been suffering from broadband outages due to the previous typhoon.”

A challenge is similarly faced by the Yona library which just recently had their broadband restored. 

Meantime, the director assures the Malesso' library is structurally safe and mold free to open by March 6. 

Seerengan said, “Right out of the typhoon, we had quite the water damage and floor damage. So we were able to clean the floor right away. So we didn’t have any mold problems at all.”

And perhaps those most looking forward to enjoying what the library has to offer are the elementary school students who have been waiting for after school read-alouds to begin again. 

The Malesso' library will reopen next week on March 6. They will be open Mondays to Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.