Brian Walker, Communications Manager, 509-625-6765
Monday, August 29, 2022 at 5:33 p.m.
Spokane Public Library branches are available to provide indoor cooling areas for people seeking relief from hot daytime temperatures being forecast by the National Weather Service from Tuesday, Aug. 30, to Friday, Sept. 2.
Central (906 W. Main St.), Shadle (2111 W. Wellesley Ave.), Liberty Park (402 S. Pittsburg St.), and Hillyard (4110 N. Cook St.) branches will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
The City’s cooling plan is tapped when temperatures are forecast to reach 95 degrees or higher for two or more days. Activations have spanned a total of 16 days thus far in July and August.
Air conditioning, drinking fountains and filling stations, restrooms, access to books, interactive play areas, and wi-fi connectivity are available at all branches.
“All individuals who need a safe place from the heat are welcome,” Mayor Nadine Woodward said.
The branch locations have the capacity to serve 1,784 adults and children throughout the City. If capacity levels are reached, the City will expand to additional locations. During each of the previous three heat waves this summer, libraries saw small increases in gate counts overall compared to the same days of the week during the previous month.
Additionally, Spokane Transit Authority is granting fare exceptions during the extreme heat event to customers who are unable to afford bus fare traveling to cooling centers in the City of Spokane.
Spokane Parks & Recreation splash pads are great places to cool down for free. Splash pads are operational through Sept. 6 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at 19 parks. At Riverfront Park, the Ice Age Floods Playground is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the Rotary Fountain 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., both through Sept. 30. Aquatic centers closed for the season for open swim on Aug. 26.
Most parks also have drinking fountains to access water. Riverfront Park have water misters on the Numerica Skate Ribbon for those out enjoying their wheels, and a water bottle filling station will be in the park. The public amenities in the park can offer indoor places to cool down while visiting; for daily hours, visit the Riverfront calendar.
Extreme heat significantly increases the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Residents without air conditioners will experience a build-up of heat within their home. This high-risk heat can be especially problematic for those who are heat sensitive and those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.
Children and seniors, those experiencing homelessness, people with chronic illnesses, and people who take certain medications, such as blood pressure medications and even antihistamines, are especially at risk for problems with high summer temperatures.
Spokane Regional Health District offers guidance for extreme heat as well as outdoor activities on its website.
The community is encouraged to take advantage of these facilities and their amenities as well as check on neighbors, friends, and family during heat waves. If you can help someone, please do.
Additional resources and information are available through:
The City’s Hazard Sheltering page contains information on weather-related plans and more resources.
The City continues to monitor National Weather Service Spokane information and will respond according to the level of severity designated in its Emergency Management protocols as conditions change.
