than 150 years.

When the library closes for business next week it will remain closed until the end of April while asbestos is removed from the ceilings.

Community Affairs Minister Yvette Swan said there was no choice but to close the library.

"Experts will have to go in and strip all of it out and this is a procedure that can't be rushed. We apologise to our customers, but there was no alternative.'' The staff will move all library material, during the first two weeks of the closure, to a temporary storage in the old library on the former US Naval Station in St. George's.

And Head Librarian Grace Rawlins appealed to the public to borrow as many books as they like before next weekend.

"We promise not to levy any overdue charges if the books are given back in May,'' Miss Rawlins added.

The offer extends only to lending stock, not reference material.