Written by Liz Foreman, Brand Coordinator, Downtown Main Library
Last updated 8/31/26 at 8:40 a.m.
Beat the heat by staying cool with the Library. All are welcome at any of the Library’s 41 locations during open hours. (Please note that the Delhi Township Branch Library and Madeira Branch Library are currently closed for updates.)
When the Library is closed, the following locations may activate cooling centers during periods of extreme heat. Please check with the locations listed below, as they may otherwise require memberships for facility access.
- An open Cincinnati Recreation Center, opens a new window
- Select YMCA of Greater Cincinnati locations, opens a new window
- For more information, visit Hamilton County's Emergency Management page, opens a new window, call the City of Cincinnati at 311, or call the United Way at 211.
Try a Cool Library Event
There are more than 210 CHPL events planned for Monday, Aug. 31 through Friday, Sept. 4. All CHPL locations are closed on Monday, Sept. 7 for the Labor Day holiday.
Find an indoor event that suits your interests, such as adult education, arts and culture, author visits, life skills, or STEM:
More Tips for Staying Cool at the Library
The Library isn’t just a welcoming space to cool off — it’s a place with useful resources for limitless learning that can keep you engaged for hours. This is true for all ages, and it’s especially helpful for people who are most vulnerable to heat, like kids and older adults.
Here are a few more ideas to get you through the hot days:
- Catch up on your reading, either in print or via the Library’s free Wi-Fi.
- Many of the Library’s Discovery Pass partner locations are air-conditioned — and all are educational!
- Stop by one of the Library’s indoor play areas.
- Cool down at Library events for all ages across all 41 locations.
- Afterschool meals and snacks are available at select CHPL locations for kids and teens up to age 18.
- Are you a budding author? Stop by a Writer-in-Residence event for free, expert advice.
- Many Library locations have gaming equipment available for anyone to drop in and use.
- Holds lockers are available 24/7. Reserve your books and pick them up in the mornings or evenings when it’s cooler outside.
Recommended Reading from CHPL’s Librarians
Does reading about cold things really cool you down? It's worth a try!
These covers are so cold, they may make you shiver.Trapped
See tips and resources for staying safe in extreme heat from Hamilton County office of Emergency Management.
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