Lansdowne Library re-opens after building deemed structurally sound

The Lansdowne Library re-opened this morning after a small crack found in one of its exterior walls following Tuesday's earthquake forced it to close, according to a spokesman for the Baltimore County libraries.

Bob Hughes wrote in an email that it's likely the wall sustained the crack prior to the magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck.

The crack, Hughes wrote, may have been caused by the natural setting of the library, which opened in 2006.

"The crack was discovered upon close examination of the exterior of the building following yesterday's earthquake," Hughes wrote. "The result of the examination by a structural engineer is that the crack presents absolutely no danger, the building is completely sound."

After the crack was found, the decision to close the library at 500 Third Ave. was a precaution, according to Hughes.

Hughes noted the cracked wall was not load-bearing and requires only a minor patch job to repair.