Avon Library Keeps Reading Cool This Summer Even without Air Conditioning

Without building-wide air conditioning during the construction, the Avon Free Public Library staff is coming up with ways to keep reading cool this summer.

"People are not staying as long as last summer," Ann Emerson, reference librarian said. 

Weather permitting, the doors on the ground floor remain open throughout the day to ventilate the library and many fans are scattered around the room, flowing cooler air.

Staff members have relaxed their dress code so they can wear clothing that will keep them cooler, Library Director Virginia Vocelli said. The heat has been difficult on the staff, she said.

"We're making sure to drink a lot of water and making sure the circulation staff takes breaks," she said. 

People have also been bringing in fruit pops and Gaterade to share. 

There are five air conditioning units, two of which are in staff rooms, as there are "few windows and some areas lend themselves to it," Library Director Virginia Vocelli, who has one of them in her office, said. The others are in the children's room and the Avon History Room, where children's programming has been moved temporarily and the staff members eat lunch there while their staff room is blocked off during the construction.

The history collection is temporary closed for public access as a result, though Vocelli said that if people call ahead of time and makes an appointment, she will often let them stop by.  She has given the history room volunteers the summer off. 

Vocelli said that the computers are being networked with the software required to process and catalog books is being installed for use in the air-conditioned room.

Paper cutout letters trail from the regular story time room to the history room to show the children where to go. Vocelli said that she is requesting two more air conditioning units, both for the children's room. 

"Public Works has been great with working with us and advising us about what is practical," Vocelli said. "Hopefully it will help get us through the summer."

The library has organized events off-site so that the construction and lack of air conditioning will not limit summer programming.

Children's programming is scheduled throughout July, such as an ice cream social on the lawn of West Avon Congregational Church across the street, a magic show at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department Company One fire station on Darling Drive July 13, and live theater at the Sycamore Pavilion by the pool on July 14. Children's section library staff and volunteers have also been visiting the pool for story times and the summer reading closing party will be held at the Sycamore Recreation Center pool. There are no programs scheduled for August.

The summer film series starts on July 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center. Featured movies this summer will include Run Deep, When Harry Met Sally, Julie and Julia, Country Strong and others. 

The staff has been working quicker to help patrons find books because of the heat in the building, and Vocelli said that with their library cards, they are "always welcome at other libraries."

But even during the extreme heat wave the week of June 6, Vocelli said "a lot of people have still been here. It all has to do with tolerance for the heat."

Otherwise, it is "business as usual," she said, and she encourages people to keep coming over the summer.

Library summer hours are 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. 

For more information about the library's summer programming and construction, visit http://www.avonctlibrary.info/.