If you’ve got a last-minute homework assignment or you just need somewhere air conditioned to go on a hot summer evening, three Phoenix library branches are now open nightly until 10 p.m.
The Cholla, Harmon and Yucca branches are open Mondays through Saturdays from their regular opening times until 10 p.m. and Sundays and holidays from noon to 10 p.m. The branches began offering the extended hours May 1 and will keep doors open late through the end of September. The schedule change is part of the city’s heat response plan.
The same three libraries stayed open at night last summer, too, but only in a limited capacity as cooling centers. Phoenix Public Library spokesperson Lee Franklin said, this year, the libraries are fully staffed until 10 p.m., and evening visitors will be able to check out books, use the computers or take advantage of other library offerings.
“We’re going to be available for the community, whatever it is that they’re determining that they need, to seek a library to get out of the heat, to get connected to resources, plus they can have access to the full library services,” Franklin said.
In addition to the three extended-hour sites, all other Phoenix library branches are serving as heat relief sites and hydration stations throughout the summer, offering access to air conditioning and free water during their regular business hours.
