To the Editor,

During the last few weeks we’ve all suffered from the effects of two extreme heat waves. Ordinarily the library serves as a “cooling center” for the community, providing respite for those who are without cooling in their homes or places of work.

Unfortunately, a much-needed repair to our air conditioning unit prevented us from fulfilling that role earlier this month and again, this past weekend, just as temperatures soared to record levels. We apologize for causing any inconvenience to the community we are so eager to serve.

On June 26 we began planned repairs to a failing compressor unit. Despite our best planning to get this work done in advance of the cooling season, everything finally came together for what promised to be a three-day installation on June 26. Of course, the one thing we were unable to control was the weather as our installation coincided with what was the first heat wave. The installation was more complicated than anticipated, requiring additional days of work. We were determined to keep the library open at least part of the day but in the afternoon as temperatures soared to 90-plus degrees it was unbearable inside for both our staff and customers. We closed early for several days and entirely on Sunday, June 30. Temporary air conditioning units provided some relief on July 2 and 3. The AC was fully operational on July 3 when we resumed normal hours.

All was blissfully cool inside the library until Friday, July 19, when a switch on our cooling tower failed causing the AC unit to go into alarm mode and shut down. With temperatures of 104-plus on our roof, where the tower is located, and all available AC technicians out on service calls to other customers we had no choice but to close early on Friday and Saturday and close on Sunday until we could get the needed part on Monday morning and make the repair.

I am happy to report that all is again cool and invite everyone to come back to the library where we are most happy to greet you.

Leslie Burger

Executive Director, Princeton Public Library