Library staff were informed of the discovery of asbestos on the third floor of Milne Library. Shortly afterwards, the staff was told that everyone must vacate the building for the next couple of days while further testing was done.
Staff gathered their coats and boots, materials needed for the next few days of work, and in the case of our Special Collections Librarian, several boxes worth of archival materials, and trudged to the College Union. For the rest of the day, library staff occupied two conference rooms in the Union and worked.
Soon afterward, the library staff learned that Milne Library would be closed for the duration of the Spring 2020 semester—at least.
Email from David Irwin, Interim Communications Chair, regarding closure of Milne Library Building
January 6, 2020 post on Library News&Events noting Milne Building Closure and list of available services
Sign at entrance of Milne Library Building announcing that the building is Closed due to Asbestos