SPOKANE, Wash. — Extreme heat can be uncomfortable and deadly as people head to libraries, swimming pools and wading pools to stay cool.

Organizations and places across Spokane are setting up cooling centers where you can go to beat the heat. Libraries are extending their hours so families who don’t have air conditioning can go in and stay cool.

Cooling stations are the best place to sit and relax. The Spokane Public Library is one of many cooling stations open to the public.

“It’s cool,” said Leslie Christensen. “It’s beautiful and it’s quiet, and I have about an hour and a half before I move. It’s the best place to be.

Christensen has been in town since Chewelah, and she spent a lot of time at the downtown Spokane library last summer.

“My air conditioning is about opening my windows at night and closing them in the morning,” Christensen said. “If it drops to at least 60 degrees at night, it’s fine. But last summer, phew.

Evan Wenning and Saleena Kelly just picked up their friend from Montana, and they hit the library to escape the heat.

“It’s just super hot outside, so we decided to chill inside the library for a while,” Wenning said.

The library has extended its opening hours in four of its locations. Tuesday marked the first time the libraries were open for an additional hour, and all branches are seeing a 3.7% increase in the number of doors in all of their locations.

The Central, Shadle Park, Liberty Park and Library locations are open until 8 p.m.

“I think it’s important for everyone to know that the library is always there to find a place to find, access our resources, get fresh air and get out of the heat,” said Amanda Donovan, director Spokane Public Library Communications.

There are plenty of things to do at these chill centers with your family. You can use the playgrounds, consult books and use wifi and computers for free.

The lobby doors are also open to The Salvation Army in Spokane. Opening hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Salvation Army also provides bottled water.

“Heat exhaustion, heat stroke — we want to avoid something like that, we want to make sure they stay hydrated,” said Cassandra Cram, director of social services for the Salvation Army in Spokane. “Water, as you know, is really hard to find apparently. On the shelves, people are preparing for this heat to stay hydrated.

If you’re having trouble getting to one of the city’s cooling zones, you can take the bus for free.

READ: ‘We want to keep people safe’ Local organizations set up cooling centers

RELATED: City of Spokane Set to Announce Cooling Center Plans Monday

READ: Here are some places you can cool off this week in Spokane

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