The Perth & District Union Public Library in Perth, Ontario, has closed its second floor until Jan. 18, 2026, for asbestos abatement and the installation of new modular carpet tiles. The main floor remains open to visitors, but the library’s adult fiction and non-fiction collections, study areas and public meeting rooms on the second floor will be unavailable during this period.
Workers will remove the existing linoleum and carry out abatement work to address potential hazardous materials (including testing and, if required, abatement of asbestos-containing mastic/adhesive) before installing the modular carpet tiles. The project is part of the library’s 2025 capital plan and the library issued three RFPs for moving/storage, asbestos abatement (RFP-2025-02) and flooring installation (RFP-2025-03).
The project is being funded from the library’s reserves; CEO/Chief Librarian Erika Heesen confirmed that no additional tax levy is required for this work. The library has also extended due dates for children’s and teen books checked out before the second-floor closure to Jan. 18, 2026, and moved a small selection of adult titles to the main floor to reduce disruption.
The entire building will be closed briefly on Nov. 24–25, 2024, and Dec. 8–11, 2024, to allow for heavier demolition and abatement activities, according to the library’s service update. To help groups that use second-floor meeting space, the Perth & District Community Foundation and the Perth Pie Co. have provided alternative space for book clubs and the French conversation group, the library said. Other programs, meeting-room rentals and second-floor study spots remain suspended until the renovation is complete.
Heesen said the library wanted to replace the flooring with “something more comfortable and durable,” and thanked the community for its patience as the work proceeds. Patrons can continue to access main-floor services, home delivery and the library’s online resources during the renovation.
For more information, see the library’s Requests for Proposals and service updates on the Perth & District Union Public Library website.
