Waterfield Library remains open to students, although a burst water main restricts access to the lower level.

Jason Youngblood, Director of Asset Managementsaid that water was observed coming out of the ground on the morning of July 15, and that on July 16, Murray State staff discovered that water had reached Waterfield’s basement.

“There was a city water main break on the southwest corner of the library, between Waterfield and Carr Hall,” Youngblood said. “After excavation, it turned out that this was a small problem that had developed over a long period of time.”

The university is working to repair the damage caused by the flooding and is placing great emphasis on ensuring that the premises are accessible to students.

Cris Ferguson, dean of university libraries, said it was important that students could continue to use the resources in Waterfield’s basement.

“Students will still be able to access the basement makerspace, but they will use an exterior door at the back of Waterfield rather than entering the makerspace through the interior of the building,” Ferguson said. “Library staff will assist students, faculty and other patrons who need materials in the basement and will pick up items upon request. While the basement is closed, we are adding additional seating on the ground floor and upstairs.”

Ferguson also said that Einstein Bros. would not be affected by the flooding and would be open to students during normal business hours.

Behind the scenes, cleanup efforts are underway at Waterfield; carpeting in the eastern half of the lower level has been removed, all affected furniture has been moved to dry areas, and building management has deployed fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected areas.

“The drying and cleaning process has currently been limited to the machine rooms only and is expected to be completed before the start of the fall semester,” Youngblood said. “The scope of the new carpet and renovations in the basement of the library is still being determined and planned.”