Leak ruins books, closes B. Bow school library

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Leak ruins books, closes B. Bow school library

Kearney Hub, Kearney, Nebraska*

By KRIS WILLIAMS,

Hub Regional Correspondent

01/22/2008

http://www.kearneyhub.com/site/news.cfmnewsid=19220689 & BRD=268 & PAG=46

1 & dept_id=577571 & rfi=6

BROKEN BOW — Mold growing inside a Broken Bow school library has

forced its closure and destroyed property.

A continually leaking roof above the library at North Park

Elementary School in Broken Bow damaged or destroyed about 1,000

books, ruined the carpet and bookshelves, and forced the

kindergarten through second-grade students who attend the school to

stay out of the library for the last week.

Water leaking into the building has caused mold to grow, but

Elementary Principal Ross Ridenour said the situation has not caused

a health hazard because it was discovered in time.

The Broken Bow School Board Monday heard that although the

bookshelves and carpet have been thrown out, some of the books might

be salvaged. School officials are checking with a company near

Chicago about whether the mold can be removed from some of the books.

Ridenour said as soon as new carpet is laid, students will again be

allowed to use the library.

Superintendent Tim Shafer told the Hub that the roof was repaired in

October but has started leaking again. " It's been a continual

problem, " he said, adding the cold weather hinders immediate

repairs. Rain or melting snow will cause more leaking.