Fredericton library's damage estimated to cost up to $100K after weekend break-in
The Fredericton Public Library is closed as police investigate a weekend break-in and vandalism inside the facility.
The Fredericton Police Force responded to the library at 12 Carleton Street around 6:40 a.m. Monday.
When officers arrived, they found a broken window and “extensive damage” inside the building. The Forensic Identification Unit was also called to the scene.
Early estimates on the cost to repair the damage is anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.
Ben Wolthers, president of the Fredericton Public Library Board, says some computers and electronics were damaged, but most books appear to be fine. He says the damage was worse than he expected when he walked in the building.
“I did have a chance to go in and kind of tour around, and it was pretty surprising and shocking, I'd say, how bad it is,” says Wolthers.
“I won't get into any specifics but, it's really just kind of senseless and really sort of heartbreaking.”
The library will remain closed until the damage is assessed and repairs are made.
Wolthers says there is no timeline for a reopening date and notes other libraries in the area are operating as usual.
“The City of Fredericton loves its libraries. We're not the largest city in the province, but this is, you know, by quite a large margin the busiest library in the province, this particular branch,” he says. “The people here are hungry for libraries.”
"The library is one of the places where it doesn't matter how much money you have in your pocket. No one is looking to sell you anything, no one is looking to convert your beliefs or anything. It's just you come as you are, and we support you in whatever kind of journey you want to take."
Police say the investigation is ongoing and further details will be released when they become available.
"They're reviewing any CCTV footage. Cameras from the city's community and public safety cameras, CCTV footage from the libraries," said Sonya Gilks, spokesperson for the Fredericton Police Force.
Mayor Kate Rogers says the library has become an important place in the city.
"Here in Fredericton, I say it's a real socioeconomic leveller. Everyone's welcome at the library. It's a very inclusive space so, it's very important to us," said Rogers.
The library will remain closed until the damage is assessed and repairs are made.
Scott Brown, manager of Building Services in Fredericton, says the damage should be cleaned up within a few days. However, he says the facility will not be operational again until its computer systems are back online, adding there is no timeline as to when that will happen.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and further details will be released when they become available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fredericton Police Force at 506-460-2300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
opinion Tom Mulcair: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's train wreck of a final act
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader and political analyst Tom Mulcair puts a spotlight on the 'spectacular failure' of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's final act on the political stage.
B.C. mayor gets calls from across Canada about 'crazy' plan to recruit doctors
A British Columbia community's "out-of-the-box" plan to ease its family doctor shortage by hiring physicians as city employees is sparking interest from across Canada, says Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.
'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship
An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space.
opinion King Charles' Christmas: Who's in and who's out this year?
Christmas 2024 is set to be a Christmas like no other for the Royal Family, says royal commentator Afua Hagan. King Charles III has initiated the most important and significant transformation of royal Christmas celebrations in decades.
Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson dead at 65, reports say
Rickey Henderson, a Baseball Hall of Famer and Major League Baseball’s all-time stolen bases leader, is dead at 65, according to multiple reports.
Arizona third-grader saves choking friend
An Arizona third-grader is being recognized by his local fire department after saving a friend from choking.
Germans mourn the 5 killed and 200 injured in the apparent attack on a Christmas market
Germans on Saturday mourned the victims of an apparent attack in which authorities say a doctor drove into a busy outdoor Christmas market, killing five people, injuring 200 others and shaking the public’s sense of security at what would otherwise be a time of joy.
Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' director Justin Baldoni of harassment and smear campaign
Blake Lively has accused her 'It Ends With Us' director and co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of the movie and a subsequent effort to “destroy' her reputation in a legal complaint.
Oysters distributed in B.C., Alberta, Ontario recalled for norovirus contamination
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall due to possible norovirus contamination of certain oysters distributed in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.