Oxford Lane Library experiences 2nd electrical fire since September

The Oxford Lane Library experienced a fire on Feb. 3 in the children’s section.

While repairs and damages are still being assessed, Carrie Mancuso, public relations manager for the Oxford Lane Library, said that damages were minimal, being limited to magazines and a desk.

No injuries were sustained during the fire, as it was put out quickly, according to Mancuso. 

The fire was caused by a faulty light fixture, according to Mancuso.

In September, the Oxford Lane Library experienced a fire in the children’s section that was also caused by electrical issues. 

“We clearly have more investigation to do,” Mancuso said. “Clearly there’s a larger problem here than we were led to believe to begin with.”

Mancuso told the Oxford Free Press that the library will remain closed for the time being, with no specific reopening date yet, as damages, repairs and an investigation into the library’s electrical systems are the next steps.

“My hope is that we can open the rest of the location first,” she said, with the affected children’s section likely being closed for a longer amount of time.

“We just know that we can’t take any risks and open the building prematurely before we know what we’re dealing with,” Mancuso said.