A burst pipe has closed Curtis Memorial Library at least through today.

Brunswick Fire Chief Ken Brillant said the burst pipe — part of the library’s sprinkler system — was reported shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday. Topsham and Freeport firefighters responded to get the water cleaned up as soon as possible.

Servpro, a cleanup and restoration company, was also at the library Wednesday evening.

Pipes burst or crack when the water inside them freezes and expands. The library had lost heat the night before, Brillant said.

There was flooding in the west entrance and the library’s atrium, the teen area and the main circulation desk.

“However, due to quick work by library staff and the speedy arrival of Brunswick, Topsham, and Freeport firefighters, there was relatively minor damage,” according to a post on the library’s website. “(T)he good news is most of the library’s books are just fine.”

The library may remain closed over the weekend. Patrons can check the library’s website and Facebook page for updates.

It is anticipated insurance will cover any structural damage, building repair and rug replacement, but the library welcomes gifts for book and computer replacements.

Visitors can make a tax deductible gift to the library’s flood damage fund at curtislibrary.com/flooddamage fund.

dmoore@timesrecord.com

The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor
We believe a community must be informed to thrive. bowdoin.edu