Following tests of possible asbestos contamination at the Oak Bay library last week, it has been determined the library would be closed for an extended time for further testing and abatement.
On Friday January 27th, the District of Oak Bay announced that they would be temporarily closing the Oak Bay Library Branch while asbestos testing took place.
Initially, the branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library was only going to be closed until Monday, February 6th.
Their initial testing during the temporary closure found that asbestos contaminated dust was present within the library, so the District of Oak Bay is now moving forward with further investigation and abatement of all asbestos-contaminated materials.
Related:
‘Out of an abundance of caution’: Oak Bay library temporarily closed for asbestos testing
“The District’s top priority is ensuring the safety of staff and the community,” said the District of Oak Bay in a statement.
“The District is awaiting results from the additional testing undertaken this week and will provide an update when the test results are received.”
The Oak Bay library branch is going to be closed for up to twelve weeks during the abatement process. Currently, Oak Bay staff are trying to find an alternative location to set up a temporary library service to minimize the impact of the branch’s closure to GVPL patrons.
Asbestos abatement is a process that contains fibres containing asbestos from being released into the air during construction, demolition or renovation.
If inhaled, asbestos can lead to many diseases including cancer.
For the time being, no late charges will be applied to books and items borrowed from the Oak Bay library branch. Items on hold at the library will have their hold extended through to the end of February. GVPL will provide further instructions to patrons with items on hold in the coming week.
Library items can be returned to any other GVPL branch throughout Greater Victoria and plans are in the works to install a temporary return drop-box at the Monterey Recreation Centre this week.
The District of Oak Bay said in a previous media statement that no other area of Monterey Recreation Centre is affected by the asbestos contamination and remains open to the public.
