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Cedar Rapids libraries appear on Linn County cooling-center lists as heat wave continues

Downtown and Ladd branches are included in county-published relief locations; a Bever Park outreach event was canceled because of high temperatures.

By Jordan BeckPublished Jul 28, 2026, 5:27 AM CT1 min read
AI-generated editorial scene: A wide-angle shot shows the glass-fronted entrance of a public library building under bright, midday sun. Several people walk toward the automatic doors, carrying backpacks and water bottles, while the surrounding concrete sidewalk reflects the intense, clear daylight. Inside the lobby, rows of cushioned chairs and tables are visible through the windows, occupied by individuals reading and resting in the climate-controlled space.
AI-generated editorial photo · CR Pulse Graphics Desk

The Cedar Rapids Public Library's two branches are listed as public cooling locations on Linn County cooling-center rosters published in June and late June, giving residents two additional indoor options during the current heat wave.

The downtown library at 450 Fifth Ave. SE and the Ladd library at 3750 Williams Blvd. SW operate on their regular schedule: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The library's own website lists locations and hours without a cooling-center label, and no city announcement has formally designated either branch as an official cooling center.

Programming manager Kevin Delecki said staff are encouraging people to stay indoors when the heat index tops 100. "We do see an increase in our indoor programs when things get hotter outside because parents are looking for things to do with their kids that doesn't involve going into the city, being at parks or playground because it's just too hot," Delecki said.

High temperatures also forced the library to cancel a Monday outreach event at Bever Park. Delecki said the decision was made because of the heat.

Additional cooling sites across Linn County include community centers in Marion, Hiawatha, Mount Vernon, and several smaller towns, according to the same county-published lists.

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Sources

  1. 1.Cedar Rapids Public Library is helping people beat the heat — KCRG
  2. 2.Locations & Hours — Cedar Rapids Public Library
  3. 3.Where to find cooling centers in Linn County during extreme heat — KCRG
  4. 4.List of cooling centers in Linn County to get relief from extreme heat — CBS2 Iowa

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