McHenry Library will remain closed through the weekend while campus officials monitor ongoing cleanup and restoration efforts following Thursday night's fire. The Science & Engineering Library, also closed Saturday, will be open for routine hours on Sunday.
Fire officials today indicated that the fire, which began in the original wing of McHenry now under renovation, was triggered by an overheated extension cord being used to charge batteries for construction tools. Nearby insulation and other plastic materials caught fire, spreading smoke into the new, occupied wing of the library.
Smoke damage appears to be largely confined to the new wing's second, third, and fourth floors. Roughly half of the library's 1.4 million volumes, some furnishings, and other equipment will require cleaning. The library's special collections are unharmed.
Campus officials will determine over the weekend whether or not the library can be reopened Monday. Please check the library's web site -- www.library.ucsc.edu -- for updates.
