Asbestos Removal Leads to Major Renovations at Edison Public Library

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News Summary

Asbestos Removal Leads to Major Renovations at Edison Public Library

In an urgent move to ensure public safety and improve library facilities, the Edison Public Library located on Plainfield Avenue is entering the second phase of asbestos removal and renovations. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to maintaining a safe environment for library patrons and staff amidst the ongoing concern about the hazards associated with asbestos exposure.

Closure Schedule and Services Affected

The lower level of the Main Library is slated to undergo extensive work in the coming weeks. As a result, the library will be completely closed for approximately two weeks, starting Monday, January 13. This closure period allows library staff to meticulously relocate materials, shelving, computers, and other essential equipment from the lower level to the recently renovated upper level. The Main Library is expected to remain closed for both patrons and staff until February 9, during which crucial asbestos removal work will be performed.

Upon reopening on Monday, February 10, library services will be limited to the upper level only. The library emphasizes its commitment to keeping the community informed of any potential delays or changes to the renovation timeline.

Alternative Options for Library Patrons

book drop at the Main Library will be unavailable. However, patrons can still return borrowed materials to the North Edison Branch and the Clara Barton Branch, as well as to Bookmobiles, which will maintain their regular schedules and operating hours. The North Edison and Clara Barton Branches are open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Notably, the North Edison Branch will also be open on select Sundays during the closure, providing additional access for the community.

For those looking for alternative library services, nearby libraries in Highland Park, Metuchen, Piscataway, and South Plainfield remain open for visiting. Holds at the Main Library can be picked up through Sunday, January 12. It is noteworthy that during the closure, patrons can only place holds for items to be picked up at the Clara Barton and North Edison locations or on the Bookmobile.

A Long-Term Commitment to Safety

The Edison Public Library is no stranger to these issues, having previously closed for asbestos removal in the upper level last summer. With the library building nearing 60 years old, having been constructed in 1963, multiple renovations over the years have uncovered underlying asbestos tiles beneath carpeting. To address these persistent issues, the Library Board of Trustees has allocated approximately $189,000 specifically for the cleanup of asbestos.

Due to the serious nature of asbestos, all work at the library’s upper level was put on hold after the discovery of the hazardous material. This highlights the urgent need for such renovations to protect both library visitors and staff from potential exposure.

A Wider Context for Asbestos Remediation

The situation at the Edison Public Library is not an isolated case. Other libraries across New Jersey, such as the Bound Brook Memorial Library, have also found themselves needing to address asbestos remediation. These public institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of providing a safe environment for their communities, which often involves significant renovations and necessary closures.

As the Edison community prepares for this temporary disruption, they can rest assured that these measures are aimed at improving the library’s infrastructure and ensuring public health. The library’s commitment to its patrons remains unwavering as it navigates this challenging but essential phase of renovations.