Westernport Library remains closed due to flood damage—cleanup is underway and updates will follow. Please visit any other Allegany County Library System location for service at this time.

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Monday, May 19, 2025 – George’s Creek Library Opens and Westernport Library Update

We’re happy to share that the George’s Creek Library will open today at 1:00 p.m.! A heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers who helped clear the parking lot, back parklet, and front garden of the silt left behind by last week’s flooding. Your efforts made today’s reopening possible.

Meanwhile, cleanup continues at the Westernport Library, which remains temporarily closed. The insurance adjuster has completed their initial assessment, and library leadership is working to secure the funds needed to restore the building and collections. Please note: WiFi at Westernport Library has been turned off for safety as construction work begins.

Returning library materials?

If you have undamaged items checked out from Westernport Library, please return them to any other Allegany County Library System location. We’re also working to establish a temporary return location in Westernport—details coming soon.

Book donations

We’re so grateful for the community’s generosity, but please do not send or drop off book donations at this time. We must wait until cleanup is complete and follow our collection development policy. Also, please do not contact publishers or book donation organizations on our behalf—any donations should be coordinated directly with the ACLS Materials Department.

Want to help? The best way right now is through our online book donation fundraiser:

https://givebutter.com/Ispqlw

Thank you for your continued support, patience, and community spirit.

Friday, May 16, 2025 – Update on the George’s Creek and Westernport Libraries

The George’s Creek Library is expected to reopen next week, pending the restoration of water service. Thankfully, the building sustained minimal damage and no contents were harmed.

The Westernport Library remains closed due to significant flood damage. Cleanup began this morning and will continue over the next ten days, led by a professional restoration team. The team understands how much this library means to our community, and we’re confident the building is in good, caring hands.

Several questions have come up from the public, and we’d like to provide the following answers:

What happened to the books inside?

We are still assessing the full extent of the damage and working with our insurance providers. At this time, we estimate that approximately 40% of the Westernport Library collection has been preserved.

What should I do with undamaged books I need to return?

Please return them to any other Allegany County Library System location. We are also working to establish a temporary return location in Westernport. More information will be announced once those plans are finalized.

What if I had library materials at home or in my car that were damaged by the flood?

We understand this situation is unique. Please reach out to Shea Morse at 301-777-1200 ext. 1016 or smorse@alleganycountylibrary.info with questions or concerns. You can also report damaged library material here.

Can I volunteer or donate books?

We’re incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support. Once cleanup is complete, ACLS will assess our needs and share information on how you can help. At this time, we are not accepting physical book donations, as we must follow our collection development policy and focus on recovery efforts. Please do not reach out to publishers, book donation organizations, or similar entities on our behalf. It is best that the ACLS Materials Department work directly with any donating organizations to ensure alignment with our needs and policies.

The best way to support the Westernport Library right now is by contributing to our online book donation fundraiser on Givebutter: https://givebutter.com/Ispqlw. Every donation helps us move one step closer to restoring full service.

We continue to be inspired by the resilience and generosity of our community. Thank you for your enthusiasm, offers of help, and unwavering support as we navigate this difficult time.

Thursday, May 15, 2025 – Update on the George’s Creek and Westernport Libraries

The Allegany County Library System would like to provide an update on the status of the George’s Creek and Westernport libraries following recent flooding events. While both branches remain closed as of Thursday, May 15, they are optimistic that the George’s Creek Library will reopen to the public on Monday, May 19.

George’s Creek Library sustained minimal damage. ACLS is pleased to report that no materials or historical items were harmed—including the cherished Lefty Grove trophy and memorabilia, which remain safe and intact.

Unfortunately, the Westernport Library experienced significant damage. Library leadership is working closely with local officials, insurance adjusters, and restoration companies to assess the full scope of the damage and begin planning recovery efforts. An inventory and evaluation process is underway, with early estimates placing the value of the building’s collections alone at over $270,000.

The library staff want to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone for the outpouring of support. The generosity and willingness of our community to step up and help has been truly inspiring. From neighbors helping one another to those reaching out to lend a hand or donate to local collection drives—you remind us what community is all about.

Many are asking how they can continue to help. For now, the library encourages everyone to listen to guidance from local officials, support your neighbors through ongoing community collection drives, and stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to volunteer and assist with library recovery efforts.

The library staff are grateful for your compassion, resilience, and dedication to your community. ACLS officials will continue to share updates as they become available.