Air conditioning back on at Glendale Central Library amid $15M renovation

The $15-million renovation of Glendale Central Library is chugging along this summer, but there’s one thing readers looking to escape the heat might be glad to hear: the air conditioning is back on.

Cool air returned to the building after several months when it was off because of construction-related issues.

Adding a new entrance on the western end of the building is another major component of the project that recently got underway.

The entrance will be moved from its current location upon its completion.

One of the first phases that got underway last year — a revamp of the first-floor book stacks — will be completed by the end of the summer, said Cindy Cleary, the city’s director of library, arts and culture.

Once the book stacks are reopened, they’ll have new sheer walls for better earthquake readiness, new furniture as well as a computer bar with plenty of new power outlets.

The books housed there will also be moved back. They’re currently being stored at the former Glendale Police Department headquarters, Cleary said.

What also got underway recently is a remodel of the second-floor computer lab, she said.

Those computers have been moved to the first floor, Cleary added.

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Also over the summer, the Friends of the Library’s bookstore will be moved to a larger location on the library’s first floor, she said.

Hours will remain consistent. The building is open from 2:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The library is closed on Fridays.

The restoration project is expected to be completed next year.

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Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com

Twitter: @ArinMikailian