Emergency services were rushed to Newcastle Library on Friday with reports of a fire.
Newcastle Fire Command says units arrived on the scene on Laman Street and quickly got to work on the blaze emanating from a lithium battery.
A City of Newcastle spokesperson says it sparked, after a member of the public misplaced the battery in a recycling box.
“Patrons were evacuated safely, and no damage occurred. The library will remain closed for the rest of the day,” the spokesperson said.
Fire crews placed the battery in a bucket of water, before moving it outside and hung around to help ventilate the building.
Image: Newcastle Libraries