If Wells Public Library had a flashing neon sign, it would read: “Yes! We’re open!”

A recent partial roof collapse and the presence of sawhorses blocking access to the building’s front entrance have left the impression that the library is closed.

Now, staffers are trying to get the word out that the library is still open for business – though the “welcome” mat has been temporarily relocated to the building’s rear entrance.

“We have been doing everything we can to let people know that we are open and that most of our programs will continue – with a few minor changes,” said Allison Herman, assistant library director and children’s librarian.

The drama began near closing time on March 4, when library director Devin Burritt noticed a slight dip in the ceiling of the building’s front entrance. By the next morning, that dip had become a pronounced sag as some of the roof trusses located in an older section of the library failed under the weight of heavy snow.

The building was immediately closed to allow experts to assess the damage and develop a strategy for repairing it while staffers reconfigured readership services for the interim.

Affected were the library’s main meeting room and its adult nonfiction section.

According to Burritt, crews worked quickly to move all reading materials, art and furnishings from the area to storage as soon as the space was deemed safe for them to do so.

“Thankfully, there was no damage to any of those materials,” said Burritt, who noted that the library is fully insured for any damage.

Construction workers installed a few temporary walls to ensure that the damaged area is closed to visitors while crews work to remove and replace ceiling tiles, sheet rock and roof trusses.

The estimated time frame for those repairs is one to two months.

Herman said that while adult nonfiction works will be inaccessible at this time, other programs formerly offered in the space have been relocated – some of them at other venues.

“Other area libraries have really stepped in to help us out,” said Herman. “The Kennebunk Free Library and the Rice Public Library, of Kittery, each have pledged to honor all Wells Library cards, giving our patrons access to their materials during this time. And we can also get materials from other libraries that our patrons may need, upon request.”

Burritt also was pleased by the outpouring of community support.

“We have had a great response from all across the state,” said Burritt.

“My inbox was flooded with emails from patrons and other librarians offering us their help,” Burritt said.

“We have had to exercise some flexibility to make sure most of our programs run as scheduled, and have only had to cancel a couple of them. People around town have been fabulous, allowing us to use their space as necessary.”

For instance, a knitters’ group has temporarily moved to the Wells Town Hall, and the Laudholm Trust office has offered Friends of the Wells Public Library members space to sort and store its books.

And while a popular AARP Tax Help program has been canceled in Wells, it is being offered at the Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library in Sanford; the Graves Memorial Library at Kennebunkport; the Kennebunk Free Library and the Ross Center at Biddeford, all meeting through April 15.

Burritt also hopes to eventually offer some of the library’s planned presentations outdoors, as weather permits.

For details, call the library, 646-8181, or visit www.wells.lib.me.us.

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