MU’s Ellis Library to Reopen on Tuesday Morning

Sept. 12, 2011

Story Contact(s):
Christian Basi, BasiC@missouri.edu, 573-882-4430

COLUMBIA, Mo. ­— Ellis Library at the University of Missouri will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 13. The library’s circulation, reserve and inter-library loan offices had sustained damage from a fire that occurred on Saturday, Sept. 10.

“We are indebted to our crews from Campus Facilities who have been working very hard through the weekend to open the library as soon as possible,” said Jim Cogswell, director of MU Libraries. “It’s unfortunate that the actions of one individual had such a large impact, but we’re very happy that no one was injured and that the damage was contained to a small portion of the building.”

The library will resume normal operating hours, opening at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13. Inter-library loan, reserve and circulation offices will be temporarily moved until the damage is repaired. A small number of books from those offices were damaged and are being restored.

None of the books in the general stacks, offices or carrels were harmed. A damage estimate has not been completed.

The State Historical Society of Missouri, which sustained water damage, will reopen on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

The MU Student Center will remain open until 2 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13 to provide a space for students to study.