There was no escaping it: Summer was definitely a reality. The heat wave combined with the oppressive humidity made it almost unbearable to be outside, even at night. I was not at all surprised when the local electric company began to send e-mails and text messages to customers and make pronouncements on television and radio and in the newspapers that rolling brownouts and potentially even blackouts would be enforced if the city's inhabitants and businesses did not cut back on electricity usage.
The university was not immune. When we lost power at the main library and the back-up power supply failed to instantly take over, we waited the customary three minutes -- enough time to have everyone power down the public-access computers and finish checking out the two people in line at the front desk before beginning the state-mandated sweep of the building because, by state law applicable to the state's universities, without electricity, only staff were permitted to be in the library or any other public building on the state's campuses.
By the time the library had been cleared of all non-staff, the lack of air conditioning was beginning to be felt. Campus police arrived to ensure that non-staff did not enter the library, and I felt sorry for them, since they had to stand outside, in the heat and the humidity, in full dark-blue uniform. Fortunately, the Director of the Library was thoughtful enough to take glasses of water to the officers guarding each entrance, but that would only do so much, especially if the electricity would be off for an extended period of time.
The power to the nearest cellular tower was still active, however, evidenced by a call I received from my big brother. "Power's out at the office building," he informed me, "so I'm heading home early."
"The power's out at the library as well," I said. "There's a rumor that if the power isn't on again in fifteen minutes, they'll declare the library closed for the day."
"In that case, I'll swing by campus and pick you up. No sense in you waiting around in the heat for a bus or a train."
"Thanks." I truly meant it, especially as I thought about the increasing heat inside the library.
"Screw it," I heard the Director say under his breath as he passed behind me. Then he said aloud so all the staff could hear him: "Let's get some signs on the doors stating the library is closed for the day because of the power outage, then make sure I have your timecards and I'll take care of them in the morning. Knock off an hour early."
"I heard that," Eric's voice sounded in my ear. "I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Okay. I'll meet you at the back entrance to the library."