The Regenstein Library’s B-level was temporarily closed to the University community on Monday morning due to a hot water leak. The area is tentatively set to reopen on Tuesday, January 21.
According to a University spokesperson, the leak was caused by the failure of a small hot water heater on the A-level. The Maroon observed water dripping from the B-level ceiling in several places.
On Sunday evening, shelves in B West were draped with plastic sheeting and blocked off by caution tape. A notice posted at the front of the B-level and inside library elevators on Monday announced the entire floor’s closure until January 17. An update posted on the Regenstein Library website indicated that the B-level would remain closed “through Sunday, January 19.”
The Special Collections Reading Room is also closed through January 16. Regenstein Library is closed on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

All of the books affected were part of the library’s general circulating collection. According to a University spokesperson, no Special Collections materials have been identified as damaged.
“We are in the process of assessing books on the B-level,” the University spokesperson told the Maroon. “So far, we expect to be able to dry out and return to use all books that have been identified as wet.”
Water is being removed from the A and B-levels using air circulators and dehumidifiers. According to the University spokesperson, “Additional assessment is underway to determine whether further steps will be needed.”
Until the area is reopened, patrons must place paging requests with library circulation staff to access materials from the B-level.
Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon contributed reporting.