With temperatures climbing across the Santa Clara Valley, San José has turned its community centers and public library branches into cooling centers, giving residents without reliable air conditioning a place to escape the heat. Mayor Matt Mahan urged people to take advantage of the spaces during regular business hours and to stay alert for signs of heat illness.
Where to go
Community centers and libraries across the city are open as cooling centers, according to Mayor Matt Mahan. For a directory of staffed community centers and their hours, residents can check the city’s listings, according to the City of San José. Branch locations and current schedules for public libraries are posted by the San José Public Library.
Beat the heat, San José! Our community centers and libraries are open today as cooling centers during extreme weather. Visit during regular business hours to cool down and stay safe. pic.twitter.com/OouvdiffN1
— Mayor Matt Mahan (@MattMahanSJ) July 14, 2026
Heat advisory in effect
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for parts of the interior Bay Area and the Santa Clara Valley on Tuesday, with widespread highs expected in the 90s and some inland spots pushing into the low 100s, according to the National Weather Service. Regional media are flagging the same hot pattern and warning that heat-sensitive residents should be especially cautious, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
What cooling centers offer
City cooling centers typically provide bottled water, free Wi-Fi and access to electrical outlets so visitors can charge their devices, according to a media advisory from the Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services department. During previous heat events, the city has also designated certain locations as pet-friendly for limited hours, according to the same advisory. The department notes that centers usually follow standard business hours but advises residents to confirm details in case schedules shift.
Tips before you go
Before heading out, residents are encouraged to double-check the opening hours for the specific branch or community center they plan to visit, since times differ by location; the San José Public Library’s locations page lists current hours and contact numbers. Officials suggest bringing water, a light extra layer in case indoor spaces feel chilly, and a phone charger, and reminding people to plan ahead for transit or parking because centers can crowd up during the hottest parts of the day.
Anyone showing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, should receive immediate medical attention and 911 should be called right away. For non-emergency support and additional hot-weather guidance, residents can turn to the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management. Officials also emphasize that neighbors and caregivers should check on older adults, young children and people with chronic health conditions when temperatures peak.
