PORTLAND – Longfellow Books, a popular independent bookstore on Monument Way, has shut down indefinitely after a pipe burst.

A dispatcher for the Portland Fire Department refused to provide details beyond saying that firefighters were called after a pipe burst. She declined to say when the incident occurred.

A notice on the store’s website says Longfellow Books will be closed until further notice.

“Unfortunately, this is not a joke, dear readers,” the notice said.

Attempts to reach the store’s management were unsuccessful Saturday night.