The Santa Fe (N.Mex.) Public Library, which was closed last August after toxic mold was discovered in the facility, reopened April 1 after a $1.2-million renovation that included a thorough cleaning and painting, a new roof, improvements for ADA compliance, and the replacement of ventilation, heating, and cooling systems, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported April 2.
Library workers had claimed for years the building was making them sick. In August, a city-funded report by CERL Environmental Consultants revealed the presence of toxic molds in a utility tunnel beneath the library and in the ventilation system. The building was closed for seven months, three months longer than anticipated.
Mayor Larry Delgado opened the library at a ribbon-cutting April 1; a grand reopening celebration is scheduled for April 21.
Posted April 8, 2002.