A broken pipe spewed water into the University of Northern Colorado’s main library for up to three days during winter break, soaking about 1,200 bound journals stored in the basement.
Michener Library workers and contractors were cleaning up the mess Wednesday, grateful shelved books and the most important collections were spared from the flood.
The library holds some of “Tales of the South Pacific” author James A. Michener’s writing materials and artifacts, and a collection of state and federal documents. The primary collections are on the top three levels, which were not flooded.
“It could have been much worse,” said Joan Lamborn, head of library administrative services. “Our collection is over a million volumes.”
A pipe fitting in the lower-level women’s bathroom burst most likely Friday, shooting water into a wall, Lamborn said. Water accumulated about an inch deep on that level and seeped into the basement, where the library stores periodicals, furniture and equipment.
The flooding eventually shorted a fire alarm, prompting campus police to stop by Monday morning.
Water also damaged carpeted offices for advising, the honors program and other student services on the lower level, which is below the first floor.
An auditorium classroom on that level had about a foot of water pooled on the lowest part of the floor, Lamborn said.
Most of the damaged periodicals are not available electronically, but many are available at other nearby libraries, she said.
University officials were unsure exactly when the pipe burst but suspect it was leaking for about 72 hours, Lamborn said.
The library, which was supposed to open Wednesday after a holiday closing, now isn’t scheduled to open until Tuesday.
Part of the library could open as soon as today, however, UNC spokesman Nate Haas said.
He estimated it would cost the university about $200,000 to dry out the library.
UNC hasn’t evaluated possible costs of new carpet or materials yet, he said.
Staff writer Jennifer Brown can be reached at 303-820-1593 or jenbrown@denverpost.com.
