Repairs to Davis Library will continue after spring break

Students who take to the library after spring break will likely face continual noise as repairs are still being completed in Davis Library.

Parts of the first three floors have been closed for four weeks after a water fountain pipe burst Feb. 10, causing extensive damage.

Judy Panitch, director of library communications, said there is not a timeline for completion because water damage complicates the repair process.

“When water is involved, it is important for everything to be allowed to dry thoroughly in order to avoid mold later on,” Panitch said.

But the last phases of work are expected to be completed within the next few weeks, she said.

Sarayu Kumar, an environmental health sciences and chemistry double major, said the noise has been distracting.

“The drills and random thuds are a little disturbing, especially when trying to study for midterms,” she said.

Although the majority of the affected floors are still open, some students said the blocked-off areas will pose a problem in the next few weeks while they are still drying out and repairs are being finished.

“These areas being blocked make the other areas a little more crowded,” Kumar said.

Will Barbour, a religious studies major, said he often uses the computers in the first-floor lab, which is still blocked off as a result of the flood.

“I always come down here to use the computers and some of them are blocked off, so it’s been hindering my studies in that way,” he said.

Brandon Thomas, communications director for Facilities Services, said the extensive damage to the drywall and ceilings has been replaced, and the repainting has been completed.

“All offices are back up and running now, and I believe only the computer lab and certain study areas are still out of commission,” Thomas said.

The carpets are still drying out, and the library is going to decide within the next few weeks whether new carpets are necessary, he said.

Thomas said he doesn’t believe the construction has had a negative impact on students using the library.

“I haven’t heard any complaints about the work or noise or anything — as far as I know, that hasn’t been an issue,” he said.

Panitch said the library is hopeful that renovations will be fully completed soon.

“We are especially aware of the demand for this study space as final exams approach,” she said.

“I know it may be seeming like a long time to a student if you’re counting on that study space, but we just really want to get it done right.”

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