It's been unseasonably hot of late and looks set to get hot again over the coming weekend. So if you're local, why not stop by the Library, step out of the heat, and chill in our air-conditioned spaces? Unlike shops, cafés, and other places sporting air conditioning where you might feel pressure to spend money, the Library is always free, and has cold water on tap from our water bottle refill stations (near the café and relaxation corner on the ground floor and at the rear of the building on the top floor, near the history books in Area 2B).
Whether you are a digital nomad working remotely using our reliable, high speed Wi-Fi network, cracking on with your research, polishing your dissertation, or simply interested in crashing in the cool with a good book from our Quick Choice collection (check out the selection in the relaxation corner near the café), one of our other fiction books from the 810-820s on the first floor, something you picked up from the Book Nook in the foyer on your way in, or perhaps even something you borrowed from the public library (you can all join them for free and they offer the best fiction collection available), you are most welcome. Just remember your student or staff card to let yourself in.
We are operating Summer Vacation opening hours at the moment, which means we only open during the day on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays. With another heatwave predicted to hit this Sunday, that's really unfortunate, but at least you can use the Library to escape the heat six days out of seven, so you only have to stay creatively cool one day each week. Speaking of staying creatively cool, the Sports Centre has air conditioning and is open Sundays, so you don't have to look too far afield.
Staying safe in the heat
Mindful of the heatwave predicted to hit from Sunday, please check our opening times before trekking in the heat. No one wants you to drag yourselves here only to melt on the plaza outside because we weren't open!
- The Government offers some basic advice on surviving a heatwave
- The NHS offers more comprehensive advice on staying safe during warm weather
- The NHS also offers guidance on sun safety.
One top tip for staying safe in the heat on a budget is to buy a buying a decent-sized fan in advance of the heatwave to blast air over you. Fans are a godsend in hot weather while using minimal electricity. You might have to hunt around if shops have started selling out of fans. Check out shops like Robert Dyas, large supermarkets, electrical superstores like Currys, and large supermarkets where you can walk away with a fan the same day, as well as online stores. Sometimes fans you wear around your neck may be more practical, especially if you have to go to work in a bar or office where space to set up a fan is limited. Go with whatever works.
If you must go out in the sun and heat, keep your time outdoors to a minimum, cover yourself up, carry water and keep sipping it, and don't be embarassed to step into somewhere cool - a shop, cafe, or anywhere else that looks cool and inviting for a few minutes to cool off before continuing on your way. And if it's not a Sunday, consider whether decamping to the University Library to chill for a bit might be worth it!