Burien is leaning on its books and its faith community to beat the heat this week, keeping two libraries and a church-based day shelter open later than usual so people have a safe place to cool down.
Burien and Boulevard Park libraries will stay open until 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, giving residents extra indoor space and air conditioning during a stretch of elevated heat risk. The city's severe-weather day shelter at Highline United Methodist Church is also running extended hours, with officials saying it will be open until 7 p.m. on Tuesday and from 1 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday. The longer hours come as local agencies activate emergency cooling and shelter options across the region.
Libraries Open Late This Week
According to the King County Library System, the Burien branch is scheduled noon–8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Boulevard Park branch shows the same extended hours on the King County Library System site.
Both locations list afternoon and evening programs on Wednesday, which means people looking for shade, wifi, and a quiet place to sit out the hottest part of the day have a couple of extra hours to do it.
Severe Weather Shelter Hours
In a post on X, the City of Burien announced the Highline United Methodist Church day shelter's hours for this heat activation. The city's City of Burien severe-weather shelter page also outlines how residents can sign up to volunteer, donate, or learn more about services offered at Highline United Methodist Church.
Regional Activation And Hotlines
The King County Regional Homelessness Authority says the area is under a Tier 2 severe-weather activation and maintains a running list of daytime and overnight spaces while the activation is in effect. KCRHA lists the Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline as (206) 245-1026 for people who need help finding a place or arranging transportation, and notes that King County Library System libraries are available as day shelters during activations.
Stay Safe During The Heat
Public Health - Seattle & King County offers guidance for coping with high temperatures, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor exertion during peak heat, and using public, air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. For the latest schedules, check library calendars and the city's social channels before you go, and call 911 for anyone showing signs of heat-related illness.
