Boulder's main library to gradually reopen following meth contamination

Jan. 2—The Boulder Public Library, which has remained closed since Dec. 20 due to methamphetamine contamination, will gradually reopen beginning this week, according to a city news release.

The city voluntarily tested the library for methamphetamine contamination after individuals were reported to have smoked the highly addictive stimulant in the facility's restrooms in November and early December.

A contractor determined the highest levels of contamination are limited to the library's public-facing restrooms.

However, surface contamination was also discovered in a "few discrete areas," such as heavily used seating areas on the first floor, the news release said.

Library staff will return to work Monday to process materials and to prepare for public admittance.

Beginning Wednesday, patrons with new or existing holds on materials will be able to access the library for pick up only between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Holds on materials that were set to end Wednesday have been extended until Jan. 10.

The city has set a tentative reopening date of Jan. 9 for the entire library, excluding restrooms.

The city is scheduled to confirm or push back that tentative reopening date in an announcement later this week.

"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," David Farnan, Boulder Library director, said in the news release. "We are eager to welcome community members back to the library as soon as possible."

The city is in the process of hiring certified remediation contractors to remove the impacted furniture in the seating areas and to conduct a thorough remediation of the restrooms.

The process is expected to take several weeks, and no public restrooms will be available until the work is completed.