Malfunctioning HVAC Unit Is To Blame For Bridgewater Library Closures

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A malfunctioning HVAC system is to blame for the Bridgewater Library's early closures in recent days.

"While the Bridgewater Library does have air conditioning, the system has been malfunctioning and is unable to keep the building at a temperature level appropriate for customers and staff," said Library Director Brian K. Auger to Patch.

The library branch at 1 Vogt Dr. in Bridgewater, which is part of the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey(SCLSNJ), closed at noon on Wednesday due to high temperatures and partially closed on Thursday.

Auger noted that all SCLSNJ buildings are owned and maintained by its hosting town "so we are not in a position either to make or expedite repairs. We regret the inconvenience," said Auger.

Bridgewater's Deputy Township Administrator Wells Winegar said the "Township has been in communication with the leadership at the Somerset County Library System and has engaged a contractor to perform the necessary repairs to restore functionality to the building. We expect that work to begin soon. More extensive HVAC repairs will be scoped and considered in the 2024 Capital Plan."

Temperatures hit a high of 86 degrees on Thursday prompting a partial closure. Due to excessive heat in the building, only the lobby of Bridgewater Library is open for limited services from 12:30 to 8 p.m.

Moving forward Auger said should closures continue to be necessary, the library "will be keeping the lobby and meeting rooms open during normal hours so customers may pick up holds, attend their passport services appointments, and have a cool place to study. We can offer those services there because that is the one portion of the building that is being adequately cooled," said Auger.

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