New Canaan Library was closed Tuesday due to a problem with its power, officials said.
The library suffered a power outage late Monday and Eversource confirmed that there’s a power cable connection problem entering the building, Kathy Blance, head of public relations for the library, said in an email.
“We have electricians working on it but it will be an extensive job so we’re closed today [Tuesday],” she said.
Library Director Lisa Oldham said that three major power lines run from Cherry Street, under the building, and out toward Main Street, and that one of them “is apparently very, very old and has now failed.”
“Unfortunately, this particular cable that failed runs both the chillers for the AC and all of our servers, so there is no way we could open,” Oldham told NewCanaanite.com in an interview.
Blance said late Tuesday that power had been restored and the library would open as usual Wednesday.
Library officials long have said that a new library is needed. Just two-thirds or so of the current, 37,000-square-foot building is usable, and the library has experienced chronic problems with its elevator, condenser and other infrastructure. Last week’s heavy rainfall caused flooding in its lower level. The library is expected during next budget season to request a contribution from the town toward its rebuilding project.
[Note: This article has been updated with Oldham’s comments.]