Originally published July 29, 2009 at 3:33 PM | Page modified July 29, 2009 at 9:54 PM

5 library branches hit 90 degrees inside, are closed

Five Seattle Public Library branches were closed this afternoon because of the record high temperatures, while 17 branches with air conditioning will remain open until 8 p.m.

By Seattle Times staff

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DEAN RUTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Neighbors arriving at the Columbia City Public Library branch are disappointed to find the library closed. Temperatures exceeded reasonable levels inside forcing its closure.

Five Seattle Public Library branches were closed this afternoon because temperatures inside reached 90 degrees, while 17 branches with air conditioning will remain open until 8 p.m.

The branches that were closed are: Queen Anne, Green Lake, Fremont, Columbia and Northeast.

The Queen Anne, Green Lake, Fremont and Columbia branches are historic buildings that do not have air conditioning. The Northeast Branch has a natural ventilation system that conserves energy but doesn't have air conditioning.

Temperatures inside the West Seattle and University branches, which are also historic Carnegie facilities without air conditioning, are being monitored.

The Central Library, 1000 Fourth Avenue, and the following branches do have air conditioning and are open until 8 p.m. today:

• Ballard

• Beacon Hill

• Broadview

• Capitol Hill

• Delridge Branch

• Douglass-Truth

• Greenwood