During periods of extreme high temperatures, С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County’s public buildings serve as cooling stations where everyone can cool off in the air conditioning.
Helpful information about cooling station locations, hours and rules can be found below.
List of Locations and Hours
Regional Centers and Health and Human Services Centers
Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
- С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County Health & Human Services,
- Departure Regional Center,
- Eastern Regional Center,
- Northern Regional Center,
- Southern Regional Center,
- Western Health & Human Services Center,
С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County Public Libraries
Open Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m. unless otherwise noted
- Athens Drive Community Library,
- Monday–Thursday, 4–9 p.m.
- Friday, 4–6 p.m.
- Cary Regional Library,
- Duraleigh Road Community Library,
- East Regional Library,
- Eva Perry Regional Library,
- Express Library Fayetteville Street,
- Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Fuquay-Varina Community Library,
- Green Road Community Library,
- Holly Springs Community Library,
- Leesville Community Library,
- Middle Creek Community Library,
- Morrisville Community Library,
- North Regional Library,
- Northeast Regional Library,
- Oberlin Regional Library,
- Olivia Raney Local History Library,
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Richard B. Harrison Community Library,
- Southeast Regional Library,
- Southgate Community Library,
- С»ÆѼÊÓƵ Forest Community Library,
- Wendell Community Library,
- West Regional Library,
- Currently closed for renovation
- Zebulon Community Library,
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out when cooling stations open?
- The best way to get updates on cooling stations is to follow С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County’s social media pages:
- You can also keep an eye on reports from local news stations and look out for the cooling station signs in front of our buildings.
- Keep in mind, public libraries, regional centers and Health and Human Services buildings are still open to public visitors even when they are not acting as cooling stations.
Is food and water provided at cooling stations?
Food and water are not provided. Most buildings are equipped with water fountains and water bottle filling stations.
How can I get to cooling stations if I don’t have my own transportation?
Many С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County buildings are located near public transportation routes. Contact your local public transit authority for information about bus routes and shuttles.
Can I bring my pet or service animal with me to the cooling station?
Service animals are welcome in the buildings; however, pets are not permitted in С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County Public Libraries, regional centers or Health and Human Services buildings for the safety of all visitors.
How long can I stay at the cooling station?
You are welcome to stay as long as you like during opening hours.
What can I bring with me into the cooling stations?
- You may bring personal belongings such as backpacks and totes with you into the buildings. С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County Public Libraries also have computers, desks and power outlets in case you need to bring some work with you or charge your devices.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County buildings. Possession of a firearm is also prohibited in County facilities. Smoking, use of Tobacco Products, and use of Vapor Products are also not allowed.
- You can also review the full list of rules and expectations in С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County Public Libraries.
How can I stay cool if I can’t make it to a cooling station?
- Try to visit other air-conditioned spaces such as nearby grocery stores, shopping malls or movie theaters.
- You should dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day if possible. If you must work outside, take breaks and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.