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The Central Library in Syracuse which has been closed due to an air conditioning failure, could reopen today as a cooling center. The library, located at the Galleries of Syracuse building on South Salina Street, has been closed since last Wednesday (July 23) because of the malfunction. A replacement part for the air conditioning system is expected to take weeks to arrive, but a temporary unit from New Jersey will be used in the meantime.
The library's closure has been a significant inconvenience for patrons, as it offers a range of resources including access to its catalog, the Internet, and special technologies for people with disabilities. According to the Onondaga County Public Libraries website, library officials initially hoped to reopen on Monday (July 28), but repairs have taken longer than expected.
In the interim, patrons are encouraged to visit one of the eight other city branches or any of the 21 member libraries throughout Onondaga County. Updates on the reopening will be posted on the library's website and official Facebook page.
With heat advisories in effect across southern New York, the reopening of the Central Library as a cooling center will provide much-needed relief to residents seeking refuge from the high temperatures. CNY Central reports that other libraries in the city remain open and operational.