La Plata library to close for asbestos clean up

The La Plata Library Branch will be closed from Dec. 27 to Dec. 30 to clean out asbestos in part of the building.

While removing carpet in staf f offices on the lower level of the building on Dec. 7, tiles containing the substance were discovered, according to a press release from the Charles County Public Library.

The find was made by “county employees who were doing renovation work in the La Plata basement,” said Charles County Public Library Assistant Director Kenneth-Wayne Thompson.

Asbestos fibers were not found anywhere besides these private offices, per the release, and the contaminated area has been sealed and contained. Thompson confirmed the substance was confined to the basement and did not spread to any public areas.

“According to the report from the security department, yes,” Thompson said, “they have done air testing on the entire librar y.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration points out there is no safe level of asbestos exposure and breathing the fibers can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, according to the department’s entry on the substance. When asbestos is discovered, “employers are required to further protect workers by establishing regulated areas, controlling certain work practices and instituting engineering controls to reduce the airborne levels.”

The library will be open for business on Jan. 2. During this period of closure, patrons will not incur fines or be held to due dates and the book drop will be locked.