The Edison Public Library, a decades-old institution located at 340 Plainfield Avenue, will be closing its doors for at least two weeks starting August 19th. This unexpected closure is due to the discovery of asbestos in the building’s upper level, according to library director Allan Kleiman.
The presence of the hazardous material came to light during renovation work that began in May. Kleiman explained that asbestos was found when tiles under the carpeting were tested and discovered to be cracked. The exact date of this discovery remains unclear.
In response, the library board has swiftly approved a contractor to address the asbestos issue on the upper level, allowing the ongoing renovation to proceed. The lower level will undergo remediation as part of the project’s second phase, scheduled for January 2025.
Kleiman emphasized that the library board acted promptly upon discovering the potential hazard and that no one has been working on the upper level since renovations commenced.
The library building, constructed in 1963, dates back to a time when asbestos was commonly used as a fire retardant. Although the carpeting had been replaced twice over the years, the original flooring containing the asbestos tiles remained beneath the main library’s carpet.
While this closure undoubtedly poses an inconvenience to the community, the library board’s decisive action underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety of both staff and patrons.
