Asbestos pushes back reopening of Florida library
The Main Library in St. Petersburg, Florida was scheduled to celebrate its grand reopening in September after its $1 million makeover. The discovery of asbestos under old vinyl tiles in the library building has pushed back the reopening another month until mid to late October. The toxic asbestos, a known carcinogen, must be removed before installation of new carpet and other renovation work can continue.
Despite the setback in the timeline, the cost of the renovations will come in slightly under the city’s original $1.2 million budget. Construction, design and asbestos removal costs will total approximately $532,000, while new furniture comes in at around $500,000.
The discovery of asbestos was not a complete surprise, as the city previously removed a lot of asbestos from the library building during the 1980s. Officials say that there will still be asbestos in the building once this round of renovations is completed, but that it presents no hazard where it is.
For the full story, go to St. Petersburg Times.
