Asbestos, Building Repairs Close 2 Library Branches In Somerset Co. Part Of This Week

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Asbestos concerns at one Somerset County Library System of New Jersey location, and "unexpected building repairs" at another, have caused those two locations to close for at least part of this week.

The Bridgewater branch (1 Vogt Drive) will be closed from Monday, Oct. 9 through Thursday, Oct. 12, said the SCLSNJ. And, the Bound Brook branch (402 East High Street) closed on Saturday, Oct. 7 and will be closed through Saturday, Oct. 14.

Expert testing revealed asbestos in the newer section of the Bound Brook branch, said SCLSNJ deputy director Lynn Hoffman.

“SCLSNJ will be working with the Borough of Bound Brook to evaluate the situation and determine if it is safe to use the older part of the building to provide limited library service," Hoffman said. "We will share more details as they become available.”

The library system also said that the Bridgewater branch is closed for "necessary, unexpected building repairs." There is no access to the building or parking area, or any of the book drops. Patrons are asked to hold onto their items until the branch reopens, or to return them at another location.

The library said all books on hold at the Bridgewater branch will remain there until they reopen.