Repairs Lead To Library Branch Closing For Two Days

SAVAGE, MD — The library branch in Savage closed Tuesday and Wednesday so workers could finish installing new HVAC parts that arrived after at least one employee was diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning.

The library branch was shut down for three weeks in late 2025 after employees pulled the fire alarm, called 911 and fled the building Nov. 20 after falling ill. Employees reported evacuating the library around a dozen times after experiencing dizziness, shakiness and feelings of being unwell, coupled with the smell of gas, Patch reported previously.

While employees said they had been diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning, the county stated it didn't register any carbon monoxide or gas on Nov. 20, reported The Baltimore Sun.

A diagnostic test uncovered two units in the HVAC system that needed additional parts, so the units were taken out of service.

“While the county has indicated that the branch could reopen as early as Tuesday afternoon, we want to proceed with extra care,” Sahana Callahan, a library system spokesperson, said in an email sent to The Baltimore Sun. “We have arranged for the same independent, certified industrial hygienist who tested the branch in December to return.”

The hygienist will conduct eight hours of industry-standard testing starting Wednesday afternoon. The library will reopen Thursday if no problems are recorded.

The county also installed 21 carbon monoxide detectors around the branch after the 2025 incident.

The Savage Branch of the library is located at 9525 Durness Lane in Laurel.