Books can be saved. As quickly as you can, determine how wet the books are. If you cannot immediately dry the books, freeze them as space allows. While freezing does not dry books, it does prevent further damage from water absorption. Books can remain safely frozen for weeks or even months.
If the books are soggy, they should be allowed to drain. Once drained, they can either be frozen and air-dried later or air-dried immediately.
Books that are damp can be air-dried. Fan books open and stand on top or bottom edge. Stand books on driest edge first. As the book dries turn it upside down to the opposite edge every few hours.
For more details on how to recover your books and other valuables, visit the Library of Congress
