Community Corner

Burst Water Pipes Force Closure of Newtown Library [Updated]

There currently is no estimate of when it will reopen, as remediation crews work to clean up from extensive water damage.

The extreme cold temperatures over the weekend are being blamed for burst water pipes at the C.H. Booth Library in Newtown.

The pipes burst sometime Saturday afternoon, according to an article by the Newtown Bee.

The library will remain closed until further notice and, as a result of the damage, the library phones are not working. 

A message on the library website states:

"Due to burst sprinkler pipes and extensive water damage the library is closed. All programs and activities at the library are cancelled until we can re-open."

"Remediation work on the damage has begun. We will post updates as soon as we can with reopening information."

Find out what's happening in Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The library message continues, "Please DO NOT return library materials at this time as we cannot process them. You may still receive email overdue notices as this is automated. Overdue fines will not be charged."

The article by The Bee states that any public library will accept the C.H. Booth Library card. Here's a list of nearby libraries:

Find out what's happening in Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Monroe

Southbury

Bethel

Redding

A Message From The Library

The library closure is caused by extensive flooding due to burst sprinkler pipes in the attic area above the Director's Office and the Technical Services Office. The cause of the burst pipes has yet to be determined.

There has been a professional remediation company on-site since shortly after the incident. Only authorized personnel are allowed in the building. We cannot allow members of the general public in the building at this time. Thank you for your understanding. 

  • There is currently no estimate regarding the length of the library closure.
  • The library's phone system is currently not working. There is no power in the building.

There will be no programs or club meetings until the library can reopen.

If you belong to a club that normally meets at the library please share this information with your club members (Friends of the Library, Flagpole Photographers, Memoir Group, Newtown Writers, Garden Club, Genealogy Club, Peace Builders, 3Ms, Chess Club, Tutors, Knitting Club, Book Menders, etc.). We are doing our best to make contact with the many public and private groups that meet at the library but your help is very much appreciated.

If you have questions about adult programs or outside group meetings please contact Lucy Handley at chbprograms@chboothlibrary.org; for children's programs email Alana Bennison at chbooth@chboothlibrary.org and for Young Adult Programs contact Kim Weber at chbya@chboothlibrary.org

Please do not return C.H. Booth Library items to the C.H. Booth Library or to any other area libraries.

By holding on to your materials you are helping us keep the items safe. No fines will be charged. You may still receive automated email notices of overdue items but you can disregard these notices. You will see that the outside bookdrops will be secured until such time as we can begin processing your returns. This notice is for C.H. Booth Library items only. If you have borrowed books from Danbury or other local libraries (and this includes books received via interlibrary loan and picked up at CHBooth) you may be responsible for fines. Please return those items to an area library. 

Libraries in our neighboring towns are aware of our situation and their staff are ready to help you. Your Newtown library card will work at any Connecticut library.

The C.H. Booth Library @ Home is Still Open! (In fact, it never closes)

You can still access the library's downloadable eBooks and audiobooks, take an online class, learn a new language, brush up your resume, find homework help, research your next big purchase, and so much more. Access all of C. H. Booth's online services and databases right here on this website. Check out the "buttons" on the left side of this page or under the "Collections" dropdown menu.

The Friends of the Library cannot accept donations at the library building during this closure.

The Friends of the C.H. Booth Library is not able to accept book donations at the library until the building is reopened. If possible, please bring in your donation then. However, you can drop off items at the Newtown Recycling Center at the Transfer Station (Ethan Allen Road off South Main Street) during their hours of operation. You do not need a town sticker to access the Recycling Center. If you have any questions about donating materials to the Friends, please call 203-426-4041.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here