Uxbridge Public Library has reopened and resumed regular operations following a lightning strike that caused a fire in its historic clock tower earlier this week.
The latest Uxbridge library fire update confirms that connectivity has been restored and normal library services are available again. Repairs to the damaged clock tower are being coordinated and are expected to take place over the coming weeks.
The building had been temporarily closed following the July 21 incident while emergency crews, municipal staff, contractors and inspectors assessed the damage and confirmed that the site was safe.
Uxbridge Library Fire Caused Exterior Damage
Lightning struck the clock tower shortly after 4 p.m. on July 21, causing a fire in the upper part of the building.
Firefighters responded quickly and extinguished the flames. Library employees safely evacuated visitors, staff members and children participating in a summer camp program. No injuries were reported.
The children were temporarily relocated to the council chambers at Uxbridge Town Hall while their parents were contacted.
Structural inspections later found no significant concerns with the building, allowing it to be approved for safe re-entry. The fire damaged exterior shingles on the clock tower, but officials did not identify major structural damage to the main library building.
The affected portion of the tower was temporarily covered to protect it from weather while permanent repairs are planned.
Additional inspections of internal equipment and building systems were also completed during the closure.
Library Services Return to Normal
The Township of Uxbridge announced on July 24 that the library had reopened to the public.
Connectivity services, which were required for regular library operations, have been restored. The Township says all services are now operating as usual.
The main branch at 9 Toronto Street South offers books, digital resources, public computers, children’s programming, community activities and other library services.
Its regular operating hours are:
- Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents should check the library’s official website before visiting in case repair work results in temporary access changes.
Clock Tower Repairs Will Continue
Although the library has reopened, the clock tower itself has not been fully repaired.
The Township says repair work is being coordinated and is expected to continue over the coming weeks. A detailed repair schedule and final cost have not yet been announced.
The clock tower is one of Uxbridge’s most recognizable landmarks. The library building has been designated historic since 1981 and has served the community for more than 125 years.
The tower’s original clock was purchased from the Seth Thomas Clock Company in Connecticut for $315. Its historic wooden mechanism remains inside the library and is operated using a large winding crank.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether the clock mechanism or other internal heritage components were damaged by the fire.
The Uxbridge library fire response involved library employees, firefighters, Township staff, contractors, volunteers and community members. The Township thanked residents for their patience during the temporary closure.
The library is open again, but this article should be updated when the Township releases further information about permanent clock tower repairs.
