[GCA10]

Ah, if you've got the budget (and stature) of the U.S. Library of Congress, you can probably figure out how install all the necessary ductwork in a giant, multi-chambered old building that wasn't built with AC in mind. (Fun article is here about how they do it: https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/blog/librarys-hva...)

But it's worth browsing pictures of the abbey to get a sense of how challenging this would be. https://www.comece.eu/christian-artworks-benedictine-archabb... Most books reside in giant, wall-flush bookcases with no natural ventilation. Establishing decent airflow -- without accidentally ruining structural walls or turning the bookcases into perforated messes -- seems very hard.

[throw0101b]

> […] install all the necessary ductwork in a giant, multi-chambered old building that wasn't built with AC in mind.

You do not need to run ducts, just piping for (say) mini-splits.

[deepsun]

Only US is obsessed with ductwork. Most of the world prefers mini-splits.

[MisterTea]

We have mini splits too. It's just that many homes already have ducts. Also, a lot of people unfortunately find the indoor units unsightly.