Vandals wreak havoc at Library

Vandals hit the Kingstown Public Library for yet another time over the last weekend, but this time, they caused the library to have to close its doors for the entire week.{{more}}

At press time, library officials could not say when clean up operations will be over, as vandals broke in through a window, and sprayed fire extinguishers throughout the rooms.

Books, furniture, and computers covered with powder from the extinguishers is what greeted staff when they came to work the morning of Monday, June 22nd.

“It would have been better if they had taken what they wanted and left, rather than use the fire extinguishers to do this,” said Library Director Joan O’ Garro.

O’ Garro is also concerned about matches and magazines with burnt edges which were discovered close to the area through which the vandals entered.

She and the rest of the staff wondered aloud, in horror, if the culprits were trying to start a fire.

“This is real devastating. I am so upset,” she said.

The Kingstown Public Library staff was in the middle of preparations for their move from their cramped Lower Middle Street location, to the modern, Murray’s Road complex, currently under construction.

Members of staff lamented that despite their numerous efforts to secure the current building, vandals and thieves have continually found places to enter the building.

The week before this last incident, the window close to the kitchen was broken and all the wares were stolen.

In previous break-ins, many different things have been stolen including glue, fans, transformers and even staff

members’ shoes.

The staff is particularly concerned that this is exam time and many students, including adult students were using the library to aid in their preparation and to get projects done.

At press time, no one had been arrested in connection to the offence. (KJ)