PRESS RELEASES
NORTH PARK LIBRARY TEMPORARILY CLOSED
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Buffalo, NY -- The North Park Branch Library located at 2351 Delaware Avenue will be closed temporarily as of Friday, April 25, 2008.
During a recent construction assessment to repair plaster in the walls, lead paint readings came back elevated. The highest elevated levels reported are confined to window areas of the library that are enclosed in plastic for energy savings.
As a precaution and to ensure the safety of staff and patrons, in consultation with the Library's Board of Trustees, B&ECPL Director Bridget Quinn-Carey has decided to temporarily close the library. "While we do not believe that our staff or patrons are at risk for lead exposure, we have decided to err on the side of caution and temporarily close the facility until further assessments and remediation work can be done," Quinn-Carey said. "We are working to have temporary services available on the premises as early as next week. In the meantime, residents are urged to visit the Kenmore or Kenilworth Branches in Tonawanda or the Crane Branch Library on Elmwood Avenue for all of their information and entertainment needs."
The B&ECPL is working with city and county officials to ensure limited disruptions to service. The Library expects to have the Lookie Bookie van at the North Park location on Tuesday, April 29th for circulation of books, movies and music and for pick up of requested materials. The van will remain at North Park until the Library is reopened. Additionally, plans are underway to bring a temporary facility to the site to house computers for public use. Those plans are expected to be completed by the latter part of next week.
For further information, contact the Paula Sandy in Office of Development and Communications at 858-7182 or visit the Library's website at www.buffalolib.org.
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