Lighting Issue Caused Evacuation; Library Reopened Without Issue

Aside from a slightly cordoned off lighting unit, there is little to see at Berlin Peck Memorial Library Wednesday that would indicate why the facility was forced to close and evacuate on Tuesday evening.

A lighting structure issue was deemed the cause of a "noxious odor" discovered Tuesday evening, forcing the popular destination off Kensington Road to close and those inside to evacuate just before 8 p.m., police and fire officials confirmed Wednesday.


"The odor was from a light fixture that was overheating," said Helen Aveline, library director. "Staff evacuated the building and the fire department arrived quickly to determine the cause."

No damage was done except to the light and we are open as usual today," she said.

Police and fire responded to the scene around 7:45 p.m. after a library patron smelled something that made staff concerned, police and fire officials said. The library was evacuated as a precautionary measure, but no serious threat was found.

The issue with the light fixture has been addressed, officials said. The library is providing a one day forgiveness on any fines for late returns as a result of the Tuesday incident.

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