Puerto de la Cruz Library to Reopen February After Flood

The Tomás de Iriarte municipal library in Puerto de la Cruz is set to reopen next February. Desiré Díaz Torres, the City Council's Culture Councilor, predicts the remaining work will be finished within two weeks. "We still need to plaster the ceiling panels, paint, and clean," she explained. The councilor acknowledged that the most challenging part was the initial administrative process to begin the renovation, especially after the tender was cancelled in December.

Repairs began 15 days ago, following a six-month closure caused by a severe flood from a broken pipe. The main focus of the work is replacing the ceilings, many of which were badly damaged. The elevator has also been repaired, along with the necessary equipment to restore the internet connection.

The exact cost of the repair is still unknown, according to Díaz Torres. "We have to wait for the final visit from the building's insurance adjuster," she stated. She elaborated that workers are checking the ceiling panels one by one to determine which need to be fully replaced or simply patched. She also noted that while they initially thought all the tables were damaged, that wasn't the case.

More than 300 books were damaged by the flood and are still piled up, full of moisture. The councilor confirmed that these copies will be replaced. "We are working on an emergency budget to put the water-damaged titles back in their place," she said.

The library community in Puerto de la Cruz is celebrating the upcoming reopening. Juan Pedro Marrero, coordinator of the Fable Club, expressed his hope: "Soon we will be able to use the ground floor." For hundreds of local residents, this cultural facility is a vital hub for literary activities.