HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — The Harker Heights Library will be closed on Monday, Dec. 11, for the installation of a new air conditioning unit.
This installation comes after a prolonged period without air conditioning, dating back to December 2022, with delays coming from supply chain issues related to the pandemic.
Despite initial hopes for a resolution by August, these issues have pushed the timeline further, leaving the library and its guest to cope without air conditioning for an extended period.
According to Jeff Ache, Parks and Recreation Director, the library has worked in conjunction with the activities center, located within the same building, to mitigate the impact of the air conditioning outage.
Throughout this period, the library's computers, printers, and study rooms were moved to the cooler parts of the activity center. The city also runs summer programs in this air-conditioned area, providing some respite for patrons.
Library staff have noted that guest have adapted well to the situation.
Marshall Burton, a frequent visitor, commented on the comfort of the alternative arrangements, saying, "It's still quiet, cool and I still feel really good actually." Lisa Youngblood, the library director, also observed that people continue to use the library space despite the lack of air conditioning.