Water Leak Closes University of Kansas Art Museum

Officials at the University of Kansas say thousands of books have been damaged by a water leak at the Spencer Museum of Art.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports a break in a water line sent water into the building’s lower floors, which house the Murphy Art and Architecture Library. University spokesman Joe Monaco says there was no damage to the museum’s artwork, which is displayed on the upper floors.

Officials estimate 15,000 to 20,000 of the museum’s 170,000 volumes were damaged. Students and staff worked Wednesday night and Thursday morning to box the books and load them onto trailers. They’ll be taken to a Chicago facility for evaluation and repairs.

The library remains closed through indefinitely, while the museum will be closed at least through Monday.