http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/fireatthel_302.mp3
In the early morning hours today, someone apparently broke into Springfield's Library Center, poured gasoline in three locations and set fires. As KSMU's Missy Shelton reports, library staff and volunteers are cleaning up the mess today.
ARMED WITH VACCUUM CLEARNERS, WORKERS HAVE BEEN BUSY CLEANING UP AT THE LIBRARY CENTER ON SOUTH CAMPBELL IN SPRINGFIELD AFTER SOMEONE BROKE INTO THE BUILDING, POURED GASOLINE THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY AND SET IT ON FIRE. ANNIE BUSCH IS DIRECTOR OF THE SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT. BUSCH SAYS SHE HOPES THE LIBRARY CENTER WILL RE-OPEN BY THE END OF THE WEEK BUT SHE SAYS IT WILL DEPEND ON HOW THE CLEAN-UP GOES. BUSCH SAYS AT THIS POINT, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW FOR SURE THE EXTEND OF THE DAMAGE BUT SHE DOES HAVE AN ESTIMATE. IN ADDITION TO THE DAMAGE TO BOOKS AND EQUIPMENT, TWO STAFF CUBICLES WERE DAMAGED IN THE FIRE. LYNN CLARK IS IN CHARGE OF THE REFERENCE SECTION AT THE LIBRARY CENTER. SHE DESCRIBES WHAT HER OFFICE LOOKS LIKE. SPRINGFIELD POLICE OFFICERS ARE INVESTIGATING THE INCIDENT. I'M MISSY SHELTON FOR KSMU NEWS.