WINDSOR – One of Bertie County’s greatest assets will soon be available again.

Lawrence Memorial Public Library will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. Monday, March 21.

The library has been closed since October 1 when the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole caused 38 inches of water to flood the facility. Like many places in Windsor, it was the second time in 11 years the facility was flooded.

“We are thrilled,” Branch Manager Nancy Hughes said. “Patrons have been calling and asking when we are going to open. They’re excited to get back into the library and we’re looking forward to seeing them.”

The library lost approximately 27 percent of its collection, which includes books, DVDs, videos and other items. While not much of that part of the collection has been replaced, that will be the next step.

“We have been focused on getting the building ready and now we’ll start evaluating the collection,” Hughes said. “We’ll see if there are any vital parts of the collection missing and begin working to replace them.”

Library Assistant Lillian Harden said most of the work has been completed for the reopening.

“We have some minor things left to be done next week, but we’re very close to being finished,” she said.

Once everything is finished and the doors open on March 21, patrons of the library will find new computers and new furnishings in the building.

“We haven’t made any major changes,” Hughes said. “The furnishings are different and we’re quite pleased with what we’ve been able to obtain.

“I believe the patrons will be pleased as well,” she added.

The library will have been closed for just over five months when it reopens in just over a week. When it was flooded because of Hurricane Floyd, the building was closed for 18 months.

Hughes said the major difference this time around was the assistance that was available because the library had flood insurance.

“We had help,” she said. “We were able to hire a company who did a lot of the work. Last time we did it along with the volunteers. This time we were able to have a lot of help.”

The library will return to a normal operating schedule once it opens. It will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The facility’s hours for Thursday will be 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. until 12 noon.

“We encourage everyone to come back to the library,” Hughes said. “We think our patrons will be pleased with what they see and we’ll be pleased to be able to serve them again.”