Kitsap Regional Library reopened the Manchester Branch in March 2011 after the branch was closed for more than four months because of water damage.

  Set 1/5  

The branch was closed for repairs of water damage caused by a burst water pipe when the building was without power from the storm in the days before Thanksgiving, 2010.

Friends of Manchester Library, the owner of the building, worked in partnership with KRL to replace damaged ceilings, walls and carpeting and to enhance the building by enlarging the staff work space.

The leak and flooding were discovered on Thanksgiving Day. Kitsap Regional Library and the Friends of the Manchester Library completed the tedious cleanup job and worked with the insurance adjustors to determine an estimate of loss and to obtain estimates from contractors for the repairs.

The Friends conducted a successful holiday concert and fundraiser December 15, 2010 at the Manchester Elementary School Gym. The community turned out in droves to offer comfort and monetary support for the rebuilding project. Two musical group delighted the audience. In all, FOML has raised more than $7,000 to help cover the costs of the damage, and the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation Board of Directors voted to donate $5,000 to the Friends to cover the insurance deductible.