May one enter Sefarim into a private bathroom if they are covered by two coverings?[1]
If the Sefer is within two coverings many Poskim[2] rule it is allowed to enter it into a bathroom. Others[3] however rule one may never enter Sefarim into a private bathroom, even if they are doubly covered, being that one can leave them outside the bathroom without worry of them getting stolen. Practically the custom is to be lenient if the Sefer is within two coverings.[4] According to all opinions a double covering is only valid if one of the coverings is not designated for the Sefer.[5]
[1] Ruling in Shulchan Aruch: The concept of entering a Sefer with a double covering into a bathroom is not mentioned in Shulchan Aruch. It however is mentioned in 40:3 regarding having Tashmish in a room with Tefillin; 40:8 regarding having Tashmish in a room with Sefarim. Michaber 240:6 regarding having Tashmish in a room with Sefarim; Admur 315:5 regarding having Tashmish and doing ones needs in a room with Sefarim. In all these Halacha’s it is ruled that a double covering permits the act.
[2] Machatzis Hashekel 43:14; Elya Raba brought in M”B 43:25 and so rules M”B ibid bringing an opinion that is lenient even if it only has one undesignated covering. So concludes Piskeiy Teshuvos 43:3
Ruling of Admur: in 43:6 Admur simply writes it is forbidden to enter Sefarim into a private bathroom even if they are covered. He does not mention a difference between two coverings or a single cover. However in 315:4 Admur rules one may do his needs in front of Sefarim that contain two coverings, hence implying like the opinion of the Machatzis Hashekel that two coverings always permit the entrance of Sefarim. However perhaps one can say that case is different as we do not require one to take the items out of his room in order for him to do his needs and rather suffice with a double covering, just like we rule by Tashmish. However to initially enter the Sefarim into a bathroom perhaps Admur never agreed that it is allowed. Vetzaruch Iyun.
[3] Kaf Hachaim 43:30 based on Ateres Zikeinim 43 regarding Tefillin and seemingly the same would apply regarding Sefarim, as rules Admur 43:6 that they have the same law as Tefillin regarding a private bathroom.
[4] Heard from Harav Asher Lemel Hakohen, and so is the custom.
[5] Admur 40:3 based on Michaber 40:2