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Clean-up underway at Burton Barr Central Library after sustaining damage during monsoon storm

Posted at 3:34 PM, Jul 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-19 19:07:02-04

A Phoenix library damaged during a recent monsoon storm is undergoing a facelift.

The Phoenix Fire Department was called to Burton Barr Central Library near Central Avenue and McDowell Road on Saturday around 8 p.m. after water was found pouring into the building.

According to library officials, crews have been working “around-the-clock” to protect and remove library items, as well as clean-up water damage.

On Wednesday a library spokesperson provided an update regarding their recent efforts.

About 6,000 books were damaged — mainly from the "reference section" like almanacs, atlases and encyclopedias.

The art collection has been safely “removed and stored” and new floors are being put in the Rare Book Room where water was seen coming from the ceiling.

Damage estimates are still unknown at this time.

Burton Barr Library employees have been relocated and the building remains closed “indefinitely.”