Unknown white powder prompts evacuation at Vernon library

VERNON – An unknown white powder found at the Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library forced the building to be evacuated yesterday afternoon.

RCMP said library staff found the unknown white powdery substance coating books yesterday, June 17. The books had been returned through the library's external book drop.

The books were processed and the bin was shaken out sending the white powder airborne. According to a Global Okanagan report, a member of staff started to feel unwell a couple of hours later.

RCMP confirmed they were called to the library about two hours after the white substance was first cleaned up, which left them with nothing to investigate.

An emailed statement from Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett said that with an abundance of caution the library was closed and the affected area was cleaned by a biohazard team.

Brett said no serious injuries or illnesses were reported to the police while officers were at the scene.

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