The fire marshal is investigating after a sealed door delayed an Edmonton woman's escape from the downtown library during a fire alarm last week.

Mindy Kettner and a friend were entering the library from the underground parkade when the alarm went off. When the pair turned around to leave, they discovered the sliding glass door they had just gone through was sealed shut.

"It's a moment of panic because this is kind of your worst fear to be trapped at a fire exit that doesn't open," Kettner said. "It goes back to a primal fear of 'Oh my gosh. This could be it.'"

Meanwhile, other people in the hall gathered at the doorway. When it became clear that the door wouldn't budge, everyone walked back down the hall to a narrow stairway that brought them to the library's first floor.

There Kettner came across a woman who was trying to climb the stairs with a child and a stroller in tow. Kettner grabbed one end of the carriage and helped them get out.

Once outside, Kettner alerted the firefighters who responded to the alarm. She also sent an email to library officials, who she says are very concerned about what happened.

"How long has this door been not operating correctly?" Kettner asked. "I mean this could have been going on for years or since they designed the building. I have no idea." Kettner hopes the fire department will test emergency exits in other downtown buildings.