We heard that the main branch of the Maplewood Memorial Library was closed for asbestos removal for two days last week. Asbestos was found — but according to Kathy Goldfine, the library’s administrative assistant, the library was closed on Friday, July 9, for furlough and Saturday for summer hours, not asbestos removal. Goldfine said workers “removed a piece of the ceiling” where a new elevator will be installed and some asbestos was found in that chunk of ceiling. She said all asbestos was removed from that area.
Maplewood Township Administrator Joseph F. Manning confirmed in an e-mail that the library was closed on Friday, July 9, for a furlough day and the township hired a firm to remove material that contained asbestos in the area that will house a new elevator and chair lift.
“The asbestos is not a surprise,” wrote Manning. “It was common in materials that were used when the Memorial Library was built (flooring tile, ceiling tile, wall board etc.), and in a solid state it is not a problem, but when it is removed, we are required by law to take certain precautions and those were all taken.”
When asked if all asbestos has been removed from the library, Manning wrote that it is not all gone, “but again, in a solid state it is not problematic.”
July 9 was the first day of construction at the library, which includes the installation of a new roof, an elevator and a chair lift. According to the library’s Web site, the library will remain open during the construction.
What are the odds that the particles will drift way over into “North Baristaville”?
They also found it in the card catalog. Under “A.”
At least we are forewarned in case there’s a strong wind.
This is the kind of stuff I, in Montclair need to be apprised of.
I told you this expansion into uncharted territory was no good. Now they are going to contaminate us. Its a conspiracy. First police harassment (Bernadette), now death threats. Duck and cover!
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act back in the 80’s made alot of lawyers rich and was a costly knee jerk reaction that Congress made that tax payers are still paying dearly for today.