NEH Chairman's Emergency Grant - School of Architecture

FAIN: PB-261006-18

University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus (San Juan, PR 00925-2512)
Mayra Jimenez-Montano (Project Director: December 2017 to May 2021)

The move of the rare book collection of the School of Architecture Library of the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras to a climatized storage area, removal of damaged roofing, wall, and floor materials, waterproofing the roof, drying, cleaning, and disinfecting items, and removal or repair of mold and mildew damage caused by Hurricane Maria. In addition, with the assistance of a consultant, the grant would support the evaluation and protection of books and documents and work to stabilize the rare book collection. Finally, the purchase of dehumidifiers would aid the library in restoring appropriate environmental conditions for the storage of the collections.

Our facilities were damaged due to the passing of Hurricane Maria.  Water and heavy winds affected the structures, causing flooding and the loss of acoustic roof paneling.  Walls were also affected by flash flooding.  The totality of the Collection has been subject to high humidity levels that have resulted in the spread of fungus in all the installations, affecting the integrity of the Library's bibliographical material.  The longer the building reparations are delayed, the greater the risk for the Collection's continuing to be adversely affected due to the lack of climactic controls and the presence of fungus.