OTHELLO — Those wishing to use the Othello library this past week may have had a surprise when they discovered that it was closed. Currently the library is closed for plumbing repairs.

“A leak was detected under the foundation,” said Davin Diaz, communication and advancement director for Mid-Columbia Libraries. “It caused us to turn off the water.”

The library building is city owned, while Mid-Columbia Libraries provided library services.

City officials said on Monday that they are also doing some previously budgeted electrical work in addition to repairing the leak and re-routing the pipes. The city hopes to have the project completed by Aug. 10.

During the time that the library is closed, the Othello City Hall will be providing the library with space weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. During this time, WiFi will be available, items on hold can be picked up, books can be returned and Summer Reading Challenge prizes can be picked up.

For anyone wishing to check out a book, Diaz recommends placing a hold on the item via the library’s website, www.midcolumbialibraries.org. Customers should expect the book to be available approximately 24 hours after a hold is placed.

Ebooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks are available through Mid-Columbia Libraries website. They also have Canopy, a video streaming service, available.

“Our downloadable collection is always available,” Diaz said. “I love Canopy. They have movies you can’t find on Netflix and other streaming services.”

While the Othello library is closed, fines and fees won’t accrue.

“It is a courtesy,” said Diaz. “We’re waiving fines and fees until the branch opens.”

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email [email protected].