Date: Fri 08-Nov-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Booth-Library-asbestos

Full Text:

Decision Due On Reopening Of The Library

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

Asbestos abatement began last week at the Cyrenius Booth Library, a process

which is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

On Tuesday, the first batch of materials was removed from the library and

sorted by library staff to determine what is to be stored in a box trailer at

the site and what will be taken to the temporary site in the Queen Street

Shopping Plaza.

The Library Board of Trustees has not yet determined whether they will reopen

the library a few weeks after abatement, or allow construction contractors to

work in the emptied library and reopen when the entire expansion project is

completed next year. Their decision, contingent on securing a location where a

temporary library can be opened to the public, is expected by the end of this

week.

"It certainly would expedite the project if we weren't in the building," said

First Selectman Bob Cascella. "And it would be safer [because patrons would

not be in a construction area], which is certainly a concern."

The first areas to be decontaminated were the mechanical rooms of the existing

building, which allowed the steamfitter to complete the boiler piping. The

project, originally scheduled to be completed in May, has been delayed about

two months because of the asbestos abatement, according to Jimmy Galvin, BTI

Construction superintendent.

Everything in the upstairs and downstairs foyers has been cleaned and removed

from the building. This includes the children's deparment reference area and

circulation desk, patron access computers and circulation terminals. Unlike

many of the books, the computers were brought to the Queen Street location

because the storage trailer is unheated. Once a week, the library staff will

verify what is in the boxes, and direct Public Works crews as to where to take

the boxes. The abatement contractors have been very conscientious to note what

is in each box, said Reference Librarian Beryl Harrison.