SWELTERING temperatures have forced Nailsea Library to shut hours earlier than usual on three consecutive days. The library, in Somerset Square, is usually open from 9.30am-7pm on Tuesday and from 9.30am-5pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. But on each of tho

SWELTERING temperatures have forced Nailsea Library to shut hours earlier than usual on three consecutive days.The library, in Somerset Square, is usually open from 9.30am-7pm on Tuesday and from 9.30am-5pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.But on each of those days last week, temperatures of up to 39C in the building forced the library to open half an hour earlier than normal and to close at 1pm. If there is another heat wave this summer, the restricted opening hours may come into force again. A spokesman for North Somerset Council said: "The amended opening hours were put in place due to exceptionally high temperatures being experienced in Nailsea Library which were affecting staff and customers alike."Following health and safety advice, it was felt advisable to close the library during the hot afternoon period."We did everything we could, short of spending lots of money, to reduce the temperature in Nailsea Library."Staff rotated on a regular basis, kept the blinds down and switched fans on."North Somerset Council would like to apologise for the short notice given for the early closure and any inconvenience this may have caused."If we have another heat wave in August, we'll be monitoring the situation every day and the library may have to close early again."During the afternoons when the library was closed, people were able to return items to the library by leaving them in the drop-off box in the canopy area or renewing them by phone.