Woden Library won’t be reopening until early November, but the nearby pop-up will continue. Photo: David Murtagh.
Woden Library will remain closed until November after the discovery of bonded asbestos in the building during recent upgrade works.
The library closed in May for a range of works to upgrade the building, but the closure has now been extended, with a reopening expected in early November.
Executive branch manager of Libraries ACT Peta Harding said the asbestos was found in the building structure but did not pose a danger.
“The use of bonded asbestos in a building of its age is not uncommon and, as it was sealed and undisturbed while the library was in operation, it did not pose a safety hazard to the community,” she said.
“All appropriate safety measures were taken to contain the site until the asbestos could be removed by a licensed professional, which is in line with the project’s risk plan for asbestos management. This has significantly delayed progress on site and means the upgrade works are behind schedule.”
The pop-up library located nearby at 26 Corinna Street in Phillip, behind Chemist Warehouse, will remain open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5.30 pm and Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm.
Ms Harding said the pop-up had proven popular with the community.
“We are pleased to be able to provide this service to ensure members and other visitors can continue to collect reservations, return items during opening hours and take part in programs such as Story Time, Giggle and Wiggle, Geri-Fit and English Conversation Classes,” she said.
“It is a warm location where people can relax and access a public PC or use the free public wifi on their own device for work or study. People can also visit our nearest alternative branches in Tuggeranong, Erindale and Kingston.”
Borrowers are also encouraged to discover the full range of digital resources available, including access to Borrow Box, where you can download up to 10 eBooks and 10 audiobooks for two weeks at a time.
The closure means all facilities, such as the HIVE studio, events, community rooms for hire, and other services, will still not be available. The return chute will be open, and members of the community will be able to return items 24/7.
The upgrades include replacing the old gas heating, ventilation and air conditioning with a new electric system, renovating the library’s bathroom facilities on the ground floor, installing new LED lighting, creating an improved study area, roof repairs and other minor improvements such as installing additional power and charging points, more network hubs for public PCs and various plumbing repairs.
The transition from gas to electricity at Woden Library is part of the ACT Government’s Electrification of Government Gas Assets Program. This program will contribute to the reduction of the ACT Government’s greenhouse gas emissions as well as its goal of net zero emissions from government operations by 2040.
To learn more, visit the Libraries ACT website.
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