Manhole fire results in library internet outages

A contained fire Sunday in Baltimore had an adverse impact statewide impact that remained unresolved as of Monday, including affecting local public library systems.

The blaze burned fiberoptic cable in a manhole, according to the Baltimore city fire department, who reported the location of the incident between Charles Street and Pleasant Street.

City officials reported the fire was out Sunday. A firefighter was injured in the blaze.

Calvert Public Library, which has "Sailor" as its internet provider, reported Sunday afternoon that its service was down.

“Many services will be limited,” a statement Calvert Library read.

On Monday, Calvert’s libraries were open with normal hours but still without internet.

Calvert Library spokeswoman Robyn Truslow told Southern Maryland News that customers “can check books out at all locations.”

Customers wishing to check out materials are urged to bring their library cards to make accessing easier.

Truslow said hot spots are being used to link the libraries to the web but the capabilities of such a connection are limited.

A post Monday on the Charles County Public Library website stated, "The online catalog is currently unavailable due to technical issues, and many services will be limited. During this time, searching the catalog, placing holds, renewing materials, as well as several of our digital resources will be unavailable. Additionally, the 24-Hour library kiosk will be offline until services are restored, but WiFi will be working as usual."

The Charles library branches were also open during normal hours and people could still check out or return books and other materials. Customers were asked to bring their library cards with them to make checkouts easier.

"You can still check out books, there may just be one more step instead of just scanning your library card," Erin Del Signore, the associate director of community engagement for Charles library system, told Southern Maryland News.

The St. Mary's County Library reported it, too, had been affected by the Baltimore fire, saying many of its online services have been impacted.

"All of our Libraries will be open regular hours today. In-library services are not impacted at this time," according to a notice posted on the St. Mary's County Library website.

Truslow said an official with Sailor’s network services told her their fiber repair personnel have not been allowed access as of Monday afternoon to begin the service restoration process.

There are public school systems and municipalities statewide also served by Sailor that have been impacted by the outage.

None of Southern Maryland’s public school systems, however, have reported any problems with internet service, including in school libraries.