George Washington University Gelman Library Gum Problem Is Steamed Away ... For Now

WASHINGTON-- A local gum-removing guru has spoken: George Washington University's Gelman Library is a daunting place to apply his specialized trade.

"When I first did this place years ago, oh my God, it was a mess," Duane Cummins of Gumbusters DC told The Washington Post. "There was a lot of gum to tackle."

Gelman's problems, however, go much deeper than the gum stuck to its various surfaces. Asbestos abatement will continue this week at the building, which was built in the 1970s.

Some hazards can be difficult to contain. Consumer Reports reported that library books can be some of the more germ-riddled objects the average person can handle.

Gelman's environmental conditions and sometimes shabby physical condition have been the subject of plenty of tweets over the years. Some more recent chatter:

Luckily for students, the university has pledged $16 million for library renovations.

Much of the money will be focused on creating new electrical outlets, enhancing study spaces and updating the building's physical apperance.