Almost Entire College Library's 40,000+ Books Destroyed by Water Leakage

Fire isn't the only thing that doesn't mix with water. As any librarian will tell you, another is books. No one wants a leaky roof, but librarians are particularly averse. This issue has come to the forefront at the library of Berkshire Community College in western Massachusetts.

A few years ago, during the Covid period, the Berkshire Community College Library was closed. Even before then, the library had developed some leakage. During the Covid closure, the windows were kept closed and there was little ventilation. When the library reopened, it was discovered that some mold had developed. Unfortunately, the leaking continued and there was no other choice but renovation of the library. The books were packed up and put in storage. It took two years to complete the renovations.

When the books were returned, it was found that many had become moldy. Some had become infested with book lice. Library Services Coordinator Karen Hubbard said, “There was an infestation of book lice and other creepy crawly things and so it was determined that they needed to just be taken away.” Almost the entire collection was destroyed. Only 3,000 books were salvaged vs. 43,000 that had to be destroyed.

The library is now in the process of rebuilding its collection. Some of the books lost had already become out of date and others were seldom if ever used. The new collection is likely to be held to about 30,000 books. They have already received donations from several other libraries and monetary aid from individuals. Among those contributing books are the Berkshire Athenaeum, Westfield State University, Williams College, the Clark Art Institute, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harvard University, and Brown University. Brown is expected to contribute a thousand books.

Either book or monetary donations are welcome but just don't send them books you have around. They only want books that are applicable to their specific curricula. There is an online form that can be filled out if you have books to offer that are appropriate to their needs. Click here. Books need to be in very good condition. Of course, monetary donations are always welcome.