Cook Memorial Public Library in Libertyville reopens after morning power outage

The Cook Memorial Public Library in Libertyville reopened about 1 p.m. Wednesday after a power outage closed the building at Milwaukee and Park avenues during the morning hours, officials said.

Library Director Stephen Kershner said the library had only half power when employees arrived at the building after an underground power line failed and needed to be replaced.

Library phones, computer catalogs, and research databases were unavailable while the power was out, Kershner said. As a result, the library was closed to the public, and classes were canceled.

Patrons were asked to go to the library district's Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills.

"It's definitely an inconvenience for everybody," Kershner said. "But, (ComEd) brought in a large generator to get power back on and are making repairs."

All systems were rebooted and within an hour after opening, the library was full of patrons, he said.

"These days, your website and social media are very efficient in getting the word out to people," Kershner said.

ComEd spokeswoman Elizabeth Keating said the power went out at the library at 7:31 a.m. and the generator was online at the library at noon.

She added repairs are ongoing and the hope is to have the library off the generator and online by the end of the day.