Storm Kristin violently struck Campus 2 of IPLeiria, causing severe damage to the José Saramago Library. The force of the wind destroyed equipment installed on the roof and severely damaged the glass facade.
On January 28th, Storm Kristin violently struck Campus 2 of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, causing severe damage to the José Saramago Library. The force of the wind destroyed equipment installed on the roof and severely damaged the glass facade.
The impossibility of repairing the structure without replacing it completely, coupled with consecutive days of bad weather, allowed massive water intrusion into the building. The result was a chain of damages that affected not only the facade, but also the interior of the library, its collection, and the equipment essential for its daily operation.
As soon as conditions permitted, cleanup, water removal, and damage mitigation operations began. However, the energy efficiency improvement works—already underway before the storm—suffered significant delays and increased costs.
The initial assessment of the exterior damage points to approximately €662,000, but the continued deterioration of the interior could substantially increase this value. Each passing day increases the financial impact and delays the return to normality.
Since 2003, the José Saramago Library has been a space for study, meeting, and learning for hundreds of students, teachers, and researchers. It is a pillar of academic life at the Polytechnic of Leiria. Today, it needs you.
The Polytechnic Institute of Leiria appeals for your support so that we can rebuild this essential space and return to the academic community a safe, functional and dignified library. Every contribution brings us closer to reopening and full recovery.
