Library Director Gail Robinson explained in no uncertain terms last week some of the structural problems at her building.

“For the last four years, we’ve only had one of three (air conditioning) units operating in the public area of the library,” said Robinson.

There were heaters under people’s desks in the winter and patrons wouldn’t bother taking off their coat. The fans came out during the summer months. Drop-ceiling tiles dating back to 1967 will finally be replaced and ductwork in the ceiling will be reconfigured during the closure.

Funding for fixes to portions of the building, a portion of which dates back to 1816, has been pursued in numerous ways by the library and its supporters. However, these repairs are not coming out of any recently received grant, such as the New Jersey Historic Trust’s $150,000 one from September.

“It’s building improvement to take care of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) issues,” said city Administrator Dale Goodreau.

He added the project had “been on the burner for awhile” and the contract was recently completed.

The New Jersey Historic Trust grant is designated for preservation efforts and that amount will go toward funding actual work, not designs or inspections.

Next up, Robinson says, are repairs to leaking portions of the roof.

But, all this doesn’t mean every library service is going on hiatus.

Tuesday morning’s “Story Time” program held at 10 a.m. will now be hosted at the Canvas Bag Gallery, located at 46 E. Commerce St. The Friends of the Bridgeton Library will also be holding an “Afternoon of Jazz” on Nov. 20 at the Ashley-McCormick Center.

Also, portions of the library will be open for the city’s Holiday House Tour on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Patrons may return items at the library’s book-drop, located at the front of the building, during the renovation period. No fines will be imposed during the renovation process and fax service will not be available.

For more information during the project, patrons may call (856) 451-2620 or by email at bpl@clueslibs.org.