Merced County cooling zones offer ways to beat the heat. Here’s where
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Merced County opened 17 cooling zones to combat summer heat through Oct. 31.
- Cooling zones include libraries, police departments, and community centers.
- Libraries provide cooling, free access to programs, and no sign-in requirements.
Cooling centers across Merced County have been open for just over a month, offering residents a reprieve from the Central Valley heat.
About 17 cooling zones are in Merced County including being located at libraries, police departments and community centers, according to a county website.
“It’s the coolest spot to take her when the parks are overheated,” Johnika Benson said. The Merced resident brings her daughter to the Merced County Library to get cool.
“We’ve been a cooling station for several years, even before COVID,” said County Librarian Amy Taylor. “We’ve always had people coming in to use the space that way. Now, we’re officially designated.”
For Benson, the library is more than just a place to escape the heat. It’s a spot where her daughter can participate in activities and programs while staying cool.
“Anybody is welcome to come in and use and take part in any of our programming,” Taylor said. “So, we offer story times, we offer craft programs, we offer performers.”
“Last week, we had a magic show,” she said.
According to the county librarian, there is no required sign-in to use the library as a cooling center.
Hours vary by location, with some open daily and others on select weekdays. The cooling zones became active on May 31 and will remain active through Oct. 31.
For more information go to countyofmerced.com.
