Asbestos removal project keeps library closed until January

Jan 8, 2010

The James Prendergast Library in Jamestown, New York has been closed for renovations since August 31. It was scheduled to reopen before Christmas, but it will now have to remain closed until January. The project began to replace obsolete light fixtures. In order to replace those fixtures, asbestos had to be removed from the ceiling tiles in the front portion of the library. Since the asbestos contractors were coming in to remove the toxic substance from the ceiling, library officials decided to have the asbestos removed from the floor tiles beneath the carpet as well. The asbestos removal part of the project was completed by Stohl Environmental.

But as with many projects, the renovations have taken much longer than expected. As of the first week in December, the new lights had been installed and the work crews were installing the new asbestos-free carpet tiles. Painting and vacuuming dust off of books is still going on.

By the time the project is complete, the children’s room will be rearranged and the main circulation desks will be upgraded to accommodate computers. Several books shelves, audio books, CDs and reference computers will be changing places when the library reopens.

Library patrons who checked books out before the renovation work began do not have to worry about keeping the books a little longer due to the delay in reopening. Books can be placed in the book drop at the front door or can be kept until the reopening without accruing fines.

For the full story, go to The Post-Journal.

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