Sierra Madre : Library Dealing With Dust
The Public Library will remain closed for another month while construction crews remove asbestos dust and decontaminate books and shelves. The library closed Feb. 25 after roofing repair work knocked loose the dust in the building’s acoustical ceilings.
On Tuesday, the City Council approved $37,280 to hire IAM/Environmental Inc. of Walnut to vacuum the asbestos dust covering tables, floors and books.
Since each book will have to be moved outside to be decontaminated, City Librarian Toni Buckner persuaded officials to approve $7,500 to hire Burt C. Gentle Co. of Tustin to seismically reinforce all library shelves while the books are out.
Buckner said the library should reopen by the second week of April. Volunteers will be needed to help put books back on the shelves, she said.
Until two weeks after the library reopens, no fines will be assessed for books due after Feb. 25. In the meantime, patrons can get cards for Pasadena or Arcadia libraries by presenting their Sierra Madre library cards.
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