Library closure in Stoney Point raises health concerns for staff, visitors

The Stoney Point Library has closed for the second time in two years due to air quality issues. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell reports.

The Municipality of Lakeshore is investigating the source of ongoing air quality concerns at the temporary mobile unit that houses the Stoney Point Library branch.

The 24-foot by 40-foot facility, owned by the municipality, has been closed to the public and staff after air quality issues resurfaced this spring. The latest closure comes after similar concerns in 2024, when staff and visitors reported symptoms such as eye and throat irritation.

Initial testing pointed to the HVAC unit’s air exchange system as the likely source. Repairs were completed in January 2025, followed by a series of air quality tests that showed the unit was safe for regular use. However, as outdoor temperatures began to rise, new concerns emerged.

“We’re closed, effective today,” said Adam Craig, chief librarian with the Essex County Library. “We’re going to move the hours from this branch over to the Comber branch just to offset the disruption of service, and we’re going to be closed until we can figure out what’s going on out here.”

The municipality has now requested that all materials and shelving be removed from the mobile unit to further test the environment and rule out other potential sources of contamination. Municipal staff are working with the unit’s manufacturer and supplier to identify next steps.

There seems to be a connection between the AC unit coming on, between the weather getting warmer,” said Craig. “So there’s a lot of testing that needs to be done still, but we’re going to get there.”

Frank Jeney, corporate leader of Community Health and Safety Services with the Town of Lakeshore, said staff remain committed to identifying a solution.

“Lakeshore owns and maintains public facilities and spaces throughout the municipality and the safety of staff and visitors is paramount to the work that we do,” said Jeney. “Since these issues started, we have been dedicated to finding a solution.”

The town is also considering short- and long-term alternatives — including another mobile unit — to ensure library services continue in Stoney Point/Pointe-aux-Roches.

“We know how important this facility is to residents in the area, and we appreciate their patience as we seek a fix,” Jeney said.

Craig emphasized the importance of the branch to the local community.

“This community really appreciates their library and they really support us,” he said. “We don’t want to shut down library service out here. This is a temporary thing.”

He added that collaboration with municipal staff has been positive: “Our communication with the Town of Lakeshore has been like, ‘Let’s get moving,’ and they’ve been fantastic to work with.”

“There’s very little precedent for this kind of thing in libraries,” Craig added. “I really want to stress that we want to get back open as soon as we possibly can.”

Ward 6 Coun. Larissa Vogler said the branch plays a vital role in rural life.

“In any rural community, libraries play a huge role,” said Vogler. “They act as a gathering place for community members to come together, and the resources that they offer are so valuable to residents.”

Vogler stressed the importance of reopening: “Small towns are the ones who need them the most, really. It’s not easy for a kid to hop on their bike and ride to another library. This is their only option, and it’s right here in the town.”

Local residents echoed that sentiment.

“I think it’s a great impact on the community because we rely on that,” said Stoney Point resident Mike Timothy. “It’s good for the children and I don’t want to see it disappear.”

“Mostly for children, I think it’s great — learning activities, a place to go,” he added. “And it’s just home. It’s natural to us.”