Glendale : Asbestos Find Closes Library

The discovery of asbestos floor tiles under a worn carpet at the Casa Verdugo Branch Library has forced closure of the library at 1151 N. Brand Blvd. until late next month.

The library was closed Jan. 13 for renovation that included placing computer and electrical cables under a new carpet, and officials had planned to reopen it Saturday. The tiles, installed in 1951, were found when city workers tried to pull up the old carpet. Broken asbestos tiles can release fine carcinogenic fibers into the air and must be removed under special procedures set by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, city officials said.

During the closure, a Bookmobile will be stationed at the library on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Book drops remain open. Book orders may be picked up from the Glendale Central Library, 222 E. Harvard St., or special arrangements made through the Bookmobile by calling (818) 548-2021. All other Glendale libraries remain open.