Colorado Library to Partially Reopen After Being Closed Over Meth Concerns

A library in Colorado is set to begin a tiered reopening process this week following meth-related concerns.

In a statement shared by the City of Boulder over the weekend, as reported by KCNC-TV and other outlets, it was announced that the Main Library would first re-open on Jan. 4, albeit only for those picking up books and other items previously placed on hold. Meanwhile, a wider “full access” reopening is tentatively slated for Jan. 9, although it will take longer for the building’s restrooms to be made available to the public.

“Based on what we’ve learned in the past couple of weeks and with the remediation plans we’re enacting, I’m confident there is no ongoing health risk,” Library Director David Farnan said on Sunday, adding that he and the team were “eager” to again start welcoming visitors.

The facility had been closed since Dec. 20 and has been the subject of multiple tests in the ensuing days. In his first statement regarding the situation, Farnan pointed to what he described as “a troubling number of suspected reports of drug use in the bathrooms” at the library. These reports, Farnan said at the time, were met with the launch of new cleaning procedures and the hiring of a team to handle air duct testing.

Sunday’s statement addressed that testing, confirming that a report from a contractor last week showed that the “highest contamination levels” were found in the public restrooms. Additionally, that report is said to have found, contamination was found in certain seating areas.