Aquidneck Construction of Portsmouth, RI has begun setting up for asbestos removal at the former Parella Furniture building on Hope Street, which will soon be torn down to make way for an addition to the Rogers Free Library.

Last week, Bristol Town Administrator Diane C. Mederos awarded Aquidneck the contract to tear down the brick building. The company's bid came in at $193,500.

Rogers Free Library Director Joan Prescott said the company is currently barricading the property for asbestos removal. Yellow wooden barriers have been set up in front of the old store, and thick plastic sheets line the area behind the windows. Out back, temporary fencing has been installed around the property's perimeter and, inside the building, work has already begun.

After the abatement is complete, said Ms. Prescott, demolition on the building will begin. She said the process is likely to take about two months.

"I'd say about a month for the abatement, and then a month for the demolition. Because Aquidneck is already in town due to their work demolishing the Pastime Theater, they're able to shift their equipment across the street and that should expedite the timetable," said Ms. Prescott.

The library renovation and expansion project itself faces just one more major hurdle, that being its approval by the state's Office of Library and Information Services. According to library officials, plans have been made to present final drawings to the state in mid-October.