Scrappers make off with copper pipes at Trenton Library

TRENTON » Not cool.

Metal scrappers hit the Trenton Free Public Library this week, snipping off the copper piping to an HVAC unit and leaving essential workers without air conditioning in part of the building, police said.

Employees noticed the the library had been burglarized when they came to work one morning and saw the fence pulled back, Trenton Police Lt. Jason Kmiec said.

No one has been arrested for the illegal scrapping at the library, which remains closed amid the coronavirus pandemic. The suspect made off with an unknown amount of copper piping, cops said.

Officials are working to get the HVAC unit back up and running as quickly as they can.

“It’s an unfortunate time to have it happen because not everyone is operating at full capacity,” library director Rebecca Franco-Martin said.

Mayor Reed Gusciora said scrappers have hit other parts of the city in the past.

“This has been happening in churches, in cemeteries,” he said. “It’s a reflection of the desperation of some people where they feel the have to steal copper wire. It’s more offensive these scrap yards are taking these metal objects without questions asked.”

Despite the setback, Franco-Martin wants residents to know the the library is still offering plenty of digital services until it’s allowed to re-open.

“We’re trying to make sure people have access regardless of whether they have fines and fees,” she said, encouraging people to visit the website for the latest.