Sorry to tell you all that we were unable to make our way to the library to check on things today, despite our best efforts. There were hundreds of folks waiting with us to assess damage and woefully few escorts to take people in. The time to spend for each business was limited to 20 minutes and only essential items were to be taken out.
We did see a few business owners return to the parkade while we still waited, but before our turn to go occurred, there was an important check of air quality and everyone was asked to wait another couple of hours before getting the opportunity to be chaperoned through the skywalk.
When we returned to the parkade, ready to make our trek and with a well-organized plan as to what our goals were, we were told that indeed there was a gas problem and it would not be safe to go. We were asked to leave the parkade as well and simply told that there MIGHT be another chance to visit the downtown area at a later date.
We'll keep everyone apprised as best we can. We know you all share our concerns and hopes for as quick a recovery as possible. Please keep the faith that we will recover and that you all will be busy. We all appreciate your support.
Karen
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Hi all, I just received another update from Tam. I'll just copy chunks of it direct to here.
As always the caring and dedication of our staff is so much appreciated. Margaret was so amazing to think of a blog! When the managers met today, we decided to try to get home email addresses for all our staff so we can re-create a "staff" mailing list. Anything you can do to help spread word in the mean time is so appreciated.
We have no idea how quickly the water levels are going down now, and I've been hearing on the radio that they may crest again in a few days (?) I'm never exactly certain how much to trust what I'm hearing. Today they sent us away, told us to come back, kicked us out after we came back & told us that nobody else would be allowed in today--and now I was just told that according to the news they were letting people in at 4pm. Too late to call Roger back to town to move the server.
When you hear from staff, please let them know that as soon as we can mobilize, we will, and we'll be calling on them. I don't know how, but I hear a rumor was started that people would be losing their jobs because of this! Nothing could be further from the case; we may be paying overtime! We may also be asking some staff to help at Marion or Hiawatha, since so much of our business is going there, and they may become overloaded.
I saw Dennis M. from the Board today. He gave me a hug & reminded me that no matter what has happened to our building, we need to view this as an opportunity. Our staff is safe, and this may simply speed up the building plan. In a weird way, it may actually help the library become a better place.
Tam has been very busy, working from 7am to midnight the past several days trying to get information, passing on information etc. I know that she shares our frustrations and worries about actually getting into the building and starting the REAL work.
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