The following Seattle Public Library locations are equipped with air conditioning, and serve as cooling centers when the area experiences extreme heat. Please call the individual location before you go for open hours and to verify that the air conditioning is working. Please note – some locations may not be open on weekends or due to renovations.

Click on the link to learn more:

Central Library (1000 4th Ave) – 206-386-4636
Ballard (5614 22nd Ave NW) – 206-684-4089
Beacon Hill (2821 Beacon Ave S) – 206-684-4711
Broadview (12755 Greenwood Ave N) – 206-684-7519
Capitol Hill (425 Harvard Ave E) – 206-684-4715
Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW) – 206-733-9125
Douglass-Truth (2300 E Yesler Way) – 206-684-4704
Greenwood (8016 Greenwood Ave N) – 206-684-4086
High Point (3411 SW Raymond St) – 206-684-7454
International District / Chinatown (713 8th Ave S) – 206-386-1300
Lake City (12501 28th Ave NE) – 206-684-7518
Madrona-Sally Goldmark (1134 33rd Ave) – 206-684-4705
Magnolia (2801 34th Ave W) – 206-386-4225
Montlake (2300 24th Ave E) – 206-684-4720
NewHolly (7058 32nd Ave S) – 206-386-1905
Northgate (10548 5th Ave NE) – 206-386-1980
Rainier Beach (9125 Rainier Ave S) – 206-386-1906
South Park (8604 8th Ave S) – 206-615-1688
Wallingford (1501 N 45th St) – 206-684-4088

The Southwest branch (9010 35th Ave SW – 206-684-7455) only has air conditioning in the second floor meeting rooms, and not in the main public part of the building.

Most of the remaining branches (Columbia, Fremont, Green Lake, Northeast, Queen Anne, University, West Seattle) are historic buildings that predate the invention of air conditioning.
The following Senior Centers have air conditioning:
West Seattle http://www.sc-ws.org/ M-F 8:30 – 5
South East http://www.southeastseattleseniorcenter.org/ M – F 8:30 – 4
Central Area http://www.centralareaseniorcenter.org/ M – F
Pike Market – http://www.pikeplacemarketfoundation.org/aboutus/seniorcenter.shtml hours?
Shoreline-http://www.seniorservices.org/getting_assistance/all_programs/senior_centers/shoreline_senior_center.aspx Hours: ?
Red Cross Encourages Safety During Excessive Heat American Red Cross 
As the temperature continues to increase as it is predicted to this week, the American Red Cross encourages individuals and families to take the necessary precautions for excessive heat.  The very young and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the heat so it is important that families and friends check on them regularly.  People with chronic health issues are also at greater risk and need to take special care to stay healthy in the heat.

Preventing Heat-Related Illness 
There are several precautions you can take to avoid heat-related injury and illness.

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing (light colors reflect away some of the sun’s energy) and use a hat or an umbrella.

•  Carry water or juice with you and drink frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

•  Make sure to check on youth and elderly to make sure they have enough fluids.
•  Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat. 
•  Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician. 
•  Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do something physically demanding, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m.

•  Stay indoors as much as possible. 
• Take regular breaks when engaging in physical activity on warm days. 
• Take time out to find a cool place. 
Watch for signs of heat stroke: Heat stroke is life-threatening. The person’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

•  Hot, red, and usually dry skin, but in some cases such as during athletic activity while wearing a helmet, the skin may be moist

•  Changes in consciousness 
•  Rapid, weak pulse, and 
•  Rapid, shallow breathing. 
•  Call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. 
•  Move the person to a cooler place. 
•  Quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim’s wrists and  ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels.

•  Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. 
•  Keep the person lying down.

Protecting Your Pets 
Many people include their pets in outdoor activities, but animals, like humans, can easily overheat during the hot summer months. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) recommends these tips to prevent heat-related illness in a pet:

•  Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, typically early in the morning. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble. Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog needs help.

•  Make sure your dog has constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water. 
•  Never leave a dog in a car, even for a few minutes. 
•  Remember that older, obese and short-nosed dogs are less tolerant of heat. 
•  Pet owners should be especially vigilant for signs of heat stroke. 
•  Heat stroke in animals can be deadly and requires emergency medical attention. While seeking medical help, cool the animal down with wet towels, spray him/her with cool water, or provide ice chips for him/her to chew if conscious.

Symptoms of heat stroke in animals can include the following: 
•  Sluggish and non-responsive demeanor 
•  Bright red and/or dry tongue and gums 
•  Vomiting or diarrhea 
•  Unusual breathing patter, heavy panting, or high heart rate 
To learn more about summertime safety for pets, contact your local Humane Society. 
Additional information is available on Public Health- Seattle & King County’s website:

http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/news/2008/BeatTheHeat.aspx

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Posted by: Aaron Pickus, Assistant Communications Director