Library Users in Puerto de la Cruz Express Growing Discontent Over Extended Closure Due to Flooding

Since August 25, library patrons in Puerto de la Cruz have been grappling with significant access restrictions following a severe flooding incident that has rendered the facility unusable for over two months.

Consequences of the Flooding on Library Operations

The public library, strategically located in a bustling area of northern Tenerife adjacent to the Youth Centre, has been closed to users since the flooding, which was caused by a malfunctioning rooftop water tank. Currently, the only service available is the return of borrowed books, while other library functions have been temporarily relocated to the nearby youth centre. Despite this arrangement, the library’s prolonged inaccessibility has led to escalating dissatisfaction among its users, who rely on the space for various activities.

During the recent literary event “Periplo,” which celebrated travel and adventure literature, attendees voiced their frustrations regarding the library’s extended closure. One participant passionately called for immediate action to rectify the situation, reflecting the sentiments of many others who feel the impact of the library’s absence in their daily lives.

The Library’s Importance and Community Sentiments

The library serves as a crucial resource within the community, renowned for its extensive collection of children’s and young adult literature. It ranks among the most frequented libraries in the region, alongside those in La Orotava and Los Realejos. Typically, the facility provides a welcoming environment for reading, studying, and socializing, boasting an average of over 2,000 books available for loan. The closure has particularly affected elderly residents, who often visit the library to read and access daily newspapers, highlighting the library’s role as a vital community hub.

The flooding incident has not only disrupted access but has also inflicted damage on the library’s infrastructure. The electrical system has been compromised, rendering the lift inoperative and affecting various electronic devices. Furthermore, persistent humidity has led to the lifting of tiles and damage to ceilings, raising concerns about the overall safety and integrity of the building.

Juan Pedro Marrero Pérez, a dedicated library user and former teacher, expressed his concerns during the “Periplo” event about the potential for an extended closure. He emphasized the negative effects on local children, who have been eagerly awaiting the library’s reopening. Many children have been seen knocking on the library’s doors, only to find them locked, despite observing staff members inside, which has only intensified their disappointment.

Community Mobilization and Government Response

In response to the ongoing issues, Marrero Pérez and other parents from the “Club de Fábula” are contemplating organizing weekly protests to demand action from local authorities. Their goal is to draw attention to the urgent need for repairs, including addressing humidity issues and the sagging ceilings on the upper floors, as well as the fate of nearly 300 mouldy books currently stored on tables. This grassroots effort underscores the community’s determination to restore their beloved library.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the library’s staffing levels. With only two employees managing the facility, there are fears about safety and service quality, especially as one staff member is set to retire soon. The potential difficulty in replacing this experienced employee raises further concerns about the library’s future operations and the ability to meet the community’s needs effectively.

Desiré Díaz, the Councillor for Culture, Tourism, and Local Authority, acknowledged the situation through her Communications Office. She stated that efforts are underway to initiate improvement works for the library and other municipal facilities, noting that the library has not received maintenance in over five years. Díaz emphasized that the current government is committed to resolving these issues and is awaiting updates from specialists regarding the refurbishment progress. Her acknowledgment of the problem is a step towards addressing the community’s concerns, but many residents remain anxious about the timeline for repairs and the library’s eventual reopening.

Key points

• The Puerto de la Cruz library has been closed since August 25 due to flooding from a rooftop water tank.
• Only book returns are currently permitted, with other services moved to the adjacent youth centre.
• The library is a key community resource, known for its extensive collection of children’s literature.
• Damage from flooding has affected the library’s electrical systems and caused structural issues.
• Community members are considering protests to demand repairs and improvements.
• The library currently operates with only two staff members, raising concerns about safety and service.
• The local government is working on plans for necessary repairs and improvements to the facility.