The Columbia-Marion County Public Library is finally working on making a temporary move after receiving word from the insurance company that rent can be paid to keep its doors open.
The former Rankin building on Main Street, which had previously housed Jan Marie’s Upscale Flea Market, is being provided by building owner Mickey Webb. Webb originally offered four months free rent, which he still is honoring, and now the library will also pay rent for four additional months.
The library's normal home on Broad Street has been closed since an EF-2 tornado on Dec. 16 damaged the roof, leading to water damage by the heavy rains that followed that night.
The library initially made plans to move into the Rankin building, but it began exploring other options after learning that it would take up to eight months for repairs because Webb already had plans in place for the building after four months.
After further discussion with the architects of both buildings and Webb, a deal was able to be worked out that will allow the library to use the 11,000-square-foot facility and for the building to still be used by Webb for his future plans by the time the Christmas celebration begins later this year.
Library System Director Ryda Worthy said Tuesday they are now in the process of getting the utilities turned on. She is unsure how long it will be before they can actually move in and be open to the public again, but at least they are moving in the right direction.
“There are so many things we are allowed to do and not do according to federal regulations that setting the internet up correctly will be the hardest part,” she said.
She also said even though it will be scaled back some, there will still be some computers in the temporary location and for the time being the Wi-Fi is still available in the parking lot at the main building at the corner of Broad Street and Eagle Day Avenue.
