Updated Dec. 17 at 5:00 p.m.

The second and fourth floors of the Mearns-McPherson Library will re-open on Thursday, Dec. 18. However, the third and third mezzanine floors will remain closed as the university works to address water damage.  

Thankfully, water damage to library collections is minimal. We are still assessing the extent of the impacts and will share more information when it is available. 

If you’re visiting Mearns-McPherson in the coming days, please obey signage and the directions of staff. Book collections on the third and third mezzanine floors of the library will be unavailable until further notice.  Please use Interlibrary Loan to request any materials that you’re unable to access in Mearns-McPherson.  

Hours in the Priestly Library are extended to midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 17 and until 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18 to provide additional study space.  

Our thanks go to the Facilities Management, Libraries and Campus Security teams who are working diligently to address this issue. Thanks also to the UVic community for your flexibility and understanding as we respond to the impacts of this substantial weather event.  

Updated Dec. 16 at 11:45 p.m.

Due to heavy rainfall, the Mearns-McPherson Library has sustained water damage on the upper floors. As a result, floors 2, 3 and 4 are closed on Wednesday, Dec. 17 until a comprehensive assessment of damage is completed. The main floor and lower level will remain open. 

If you have booked study spaces on upper floors, your bookings will be cancelled; however, you are welcome to use spaces on the library’s main floor and lower level. There are alternate study spaces on campus and in the Priestly Library.  

The extent of the damage to the upper floors is being assessed and we will share updates when they are available. 

We recognize that this may create some challenges, especially during the exam period. If you have questions about booked spaces or library access, please contact the library team at [email protected].Â