Bookworms who use the Oamaru Public Library will still have
full access to library services when work to remove asbestos
from the building's exterior begins in the new year.
Waitaki District Council property manager Dougall McIntyre
said asbestos was contained in the pebble-dash face-seal on
the library's east front and western wall.
However, Mr McIntyre said the removal of the cladding board
should be viewed as ''preventative work'' and there was no
immediate danger to library users.
''It has deteriorated over time so that it is in the state
now that it needs to be removed.''
He said the council would employ specialists to remove the
cladding, but because repair work would take place
after-hours, the library would not need to close.
''It is only when it is moved that it is dangerous and can
crumble to dust. That's why we have specialists to remove it.
''We are looking at replacement cladding and we anticipate
the work will be completed by mid-February.''
The costs of the remedial work are not yet known, but the
council approved paying for the work through depreciation
funding.
Mr McIntyre said annual maintenance checks would assess
whether asbestos was present in other council buildings.
andrew.ashton@odt.co.nz
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