Lack of air conditioning forces Reading’s Northeast branch library to close for summer – Reading Eagle

The Northeast branch of the Reading Public Library will be closed for the summer because the building will not have air conditioning.

The library is expecting the installation of a new heating and air conditioning system, but it won't be ready in time for the hot summer months.

Bronwen Gamble, executive library director, said the delay is frustrating for everyone involved.

"The city has been very proactive in trying to get this done, but it's a big project with many moving parts," she said.

The system will cost more than $150,000 to install, which is being paid for in a Keystone grant and community development block grants, each of which have specific requirements in the bidding process.

To lessen the inconvenience, Gamble said the Northeast branch will have outdoor hours on the front porch of the building where people can check out books, including new releases, and a selection of other media.

In addition to the regular hours, the Northwest branch will be open Mondays and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gamble said the newly revised bid specifications were released Monday and that the city is eager to expedite the process as quickly as possible.

"We're sorry for the inconvenience," she said. "We know it's frustrating. We're doing the best we can."

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Lack of air conditioning forces Reading's Northeast branch library to close for summer - Reading Eagle