Lightning Strike Sparks Fire At Hopkinton Library

The Hopkinton Town Library caught fire Friday evening after it was struck by lightning. No one was hurt, but Hopkinton Fire Chief Jeff Yale says damage to the building is severe.

"The water and the smoke do a tremendous amount of damage to the sensitive books that they have in the library."

Insurance assessors and a book restoration expert were at the library Monday examining damage to the building and collections.

Library Director Donna Dunlop says the library will likely be closed for months, but that she and her staff are working to restore services as quickly as possible.

Dunlop says libraries in nearby towns have reached out, offering to serve Hopkinton residents until the library is reopened.