Portland’s Longfellow Books closes due to storm damage

Sad news from one of Portland’s best independent bookstores. Longfellow Books posted on its Facebook page Saturday evening that it would be closed until further notice due to damage caused by the weekend’s blizzard, which dropped more than 30 inches of snow on Portland.

The bookstore’s first Facebook update, posted around 8:30 p.m.:

“Due to serious water damage, Longfellow Books will be closed until further notice. Thank you for your understanding dear readers. And thank you to the amazing team of firefighters who saved as many books as humanly possible.”

After shocked responses from the bookstore’s fans, the business offered more details:

“Apparently the wind blew in a window on the second floor which caused pipes to freeze and this burst inciting the sprinkler system of Longfellow Books to rain down on our books. So … no fire just lots and lots of water. More updates to come tomorrow.”

Here’s hoping the insurance process runs smoothly and the business can get back up and running in no time.

Check back for updates on Sunday.

Whit Richardson

About Whit Richardson

Whit Richardson is Business Editor at the Bangor Daily News. He blogs about Maine business, entrepreneurs and the economy.