Arvada Library closes due to methamphetamine contamination

Another Denver area library has closed over concerns about methamphetamine residue. The Arvada Library's doors will be shut for an indefinite period of time after testing for the substance by EnviroSpec.

The announcement from the Jefferson County Public Library came on Jan. 28.

The library is the fourth in the metro area to close due to meth contamination. Boulder, Littleton and Englewood libraries closed in recent weeks after simialar testing.

The decision to test the Arvada Library followed a review of incident reports across Jefferson County libraries. Further testing is expected to bring any public health concerns into sharper focus.

JCPL said that recent studies indicate that exposure to meth residue poses little health risk compared to long-term exposure to meth residue in one’s home or workplace — an assertion backed by experts recently interviewed by Colorado Community Media.

“This is an ongoing situation and if there is information that would lead us to believe that there is an unreasonable risk to the health of staff or patrons, testing at other locations would be plausible,” JCPL said in a statement.

Of the metro area libraries that have closed due to meth contamination, only the Boulder library has partially reopened since its initial shutdown.  

JCPL said it will consult with its partners to determine when the library can reopen again. Another branch of JCPL remains open in west Arvada, the Express Library West Arvada.