UPDATE: West Orange Library Opens As Workers Repair Collapsed Facade

The West Orange Public Library is open to the public, as workers continue to clear the bricks that crushed two cars after part of the facade crumbled off of the building Thursday.

Library Director David Cubie stated that while there is no structural damage to the library, the decision has been made to remove the remaining bricks on the facade of the 1979 addition, which hangs over the parking lot.

Thanks to the hard work and orchestration by the Township, the Library opened the very next day after workers spent the whole night following the Mayor’s directive to first eliminate any potential for danger.

Cubie stated that sound of the facade collapsing to the ground was “not a noise you hear every day.”

“I was sitting in my office when I felt a rumble. I thought ‘what is that? Did something hit the building?’ The sound of brick 18 feet high sliding off the building was kind of weird – not a noise you hear every day. I wasn’t quite sure what it was so I went downstairs to check it out. The Police were already there and told me to stay inside. The town responded fantastically.”

>> Related: West Orange Library Brick Facade Collapses, Destroys Two Cars

The Library Director added that no one was injured, but he saw one car damaged by the bricks and was told a second car was damaged as well. He was on hand Saturday morning to deliver coffee and donuts to those hard at work clearing the rubble.

The workers plugged away through the weekend, battling harsh weather and frigid conditions. As of Tuesday afternoon, the township was still clearing bricks and weatherproofing the building every step of the way.

Cubie noted that the Library Drop Box, which was previously located under the overhang near the parking lot, has been moved to the end of the walkway on the edge of the public parking lot.

Despite the bizarre collapse, not much has changed at the West Orange Public Library. Normal hours resumed less than 24 hours after the façade crashed to the ground and scheduled programs continue to delight local residents of all ages, who don’t seem to mind the piles of bricks and construction crews right outside.

This is a developing story. More updates will be reported as more information becomes available.

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