The city credited damage sustained during this week’s freezing temperatures as the reason behind the decision.
DALLAS — A branch of the Dallas Library system will remain closed indefinitely while repairs are made due to water damage it sustained during this week’s winter storm and its aftermath.
The Kleberg-Rylie Branch Library in southeast Dallas (1301 Edd Road) has water standing in all areas of the building, said Dallas Library Director Manya Shorr in a statement released Friday. The damage mainly occurred from a break in a fire suppression line, the release said.
“While we cannot yet provide a timeline, this will require an extended closure. Once line repairs have been made and extraction has been completed, the City will make necessary repairs.”
The statement goes on to say that the majority of standing water has been removed but that all flooring in the branch will need to be replaced due to the water damage. It’s also possible that several feet of drywall will need to be removed and replaced as moisture sits in the building.
Between upcoming assessments and the actual work in repairing the branch, the library is expected to be closed for multiple months, though there is hope the timeline can change, the statement says.
The long-term closure of the Kleberg-Rylie Branch is the latest hit for users of the Dallas Public Library, which earlier this month has discussed the possibility of closing four branches in the city in the name of instituting a “regional model” for the library system.
In service of regular users of the Kleberg-Rylie Branch, the Dallas Library encourages nearby residents to visit the Prairie Creek Branch (9609 Lake June Road). The Friday statement also makes mention of the possible utilization of a recreation center next to the Kleberg-Rylie Branch for limited library service.
Book returns at the closed branch will not be accepted during this time. Patrons who need to return books are encouraged to change pickup locations by logging into www.dallaslibrary.org or calling 214-670-1400.