HVAC System Goes Kaput At Montclair Library; Main Branch Closed

MONTCLAIR, NJ -- The Montclair Public Library experienced a total meltdown of its HVAC system, which has shut down the main branch and forced the library to switch operations to its branch at 185 Bellevue Avenue.

Library director Radwa Ali offered more details about the ongoing issue in a post on Friday.

"As many of you are aware, our Main Library facility at 50 South Fullerton has been unbearably hot for much of the summer," Ali wrote. "Last week the system went out of commission multiple times, and while we waited for scheduled repairs we adapted as best we could by moving Children's Services (the 3rd floor being the hottest floor) to the Auditorium. However when even the 1st floor started to approach 90 degrees before noon, we were left with no option but to shut down the entire building yesterday and today."

Parts of the thirds floor were hitting 93 degrees with alarming (and exhausting) regularity, Ali said.

"After today's repair attempt, we're sorry to announce that our 25+ year old HVAC has finally given out for good," Ali continued. "The leak was discovered in the worst possible location, inside the barrel of the chiller itself which, due to its age, would cost more to replace than replacing the actual chiller (alone a six-figure job)."

PLAN B: BELLEVUE BRANCH

The Bellevue branch is open and will have expanded hours on Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18, Ali said.

Going forward, normal library operations will continue out of the Bellevue Avenue Branch at 185 Bellevue Avenue. Until regular services are restored at the Main Library, the hours of operations at Bellevue will be adjusted to match the main branch's regular hours:

• Monday: 10am - 6pm
• Tuesday: 10am - 8pm
• Wednesday: 10am - 8pm
• Thursday: 10am - 8pm
• Friday: 10am - 69m
• Saturday: 10am - 6pm
• Sunday: 1pm - 6pm

Main Library: holds pickup and outdoor shaded seating

Staff will assist with holds pickups at the Main Library and will do their best to help those that come to the doors, Ali said.

"In recognition that the library is a refuge to many with few alternatives, we will furnish our plaza with canopies, tables and chairs to at least provide protection from the sun and rain expected over the weekend," Ali added.

Plans for Week of Aug 19

According to Ali:

"We are arranging for a portable chiller to be delivered to the library that should bring us back to regular operation through the summer and until a permanent HVAC replacement can occur. The best estimate as of now for the portable chiller is delivery and installation by mid-week.

"Since temperatures on the first floor are subject to the number of people in the space, the outside temperature, and humidity levels, we don't yet know if we'll be able to open the 1st floor to the public. We certainly hope to, and we will send out another update Monday morning.

"We are heartbroken to have to close our doors for any amount of time. Luckily and unlike most municipalities, we are able to serve you from the Bellevue Ave Branch...so while we're down, we're not out! Whatever programming we are able to shift to that location, we will do so and update our events calendar accordingly.

"Please check our website for updated information regularly over the coming days. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your patience this summer and especially this week."

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