The National Weather Service is predicting that First District temperatures will continue to rise this week, peaking on Sunday with temperatures as high as 117 F.

In this triple-digit heat, it’s nice to have a cool place to go, especially if you don’t have air conditioning. 

Did you know that most of our San Bernardino County library branches welcome the public as a safe place to beat the heat? Additionally, free fans are available for eligible seniors throughout the County. To see if you qualify, call the Senior Information and Assistance hotline at 800.510.2020. 

Victor Valley Community Services Council can also provide fans — and in some instances portable cooling units — to eligible seniors. Call 760.243.9646 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Thursdays for more information.

As the weather heats up, remember to drink plenty of fluids, avoid vigorous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable neighbors who may not have air conditioning. And never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle for any amount of time. 

Following are some cool places to go in the High Desert:

Cool Places to Go

  • Adelanto Branch Library. 760.246.5661.
    • 11497 Bartlett Avenue, Adelanto
    • Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Public water fountain available. Visitors must adhere to the posted code of conduct (on the front door).
  • Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch Library. 760.995.8750.
    • 14901 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley
    • Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Library operates as a “Cool Place to Go” but is not a designated “Cooling Center.”
  • Barstow Branch. 760.256.4850.
    • 304 East Buena Vista, Barstow
    • Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m.4 p.m.
  • Hesperia Branch Library.760.552.6050.
    • 9650 7th Avenue, Hesperia
    • Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday: 9 p.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
  • Phelan Memorial Library. 760.868.3053.
    • 9800 Clovis Road, Phelan
    • Hours: Monday – Wednesday:  11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 
  • Trona Branch Library. 760.372.5847.
    • 82805 Mountain View, Trona
    • Hours: Monday-Wednesday:  11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Wrightwood Branch Library. 760.249.4577.
    • 6011 Pine Street, Wrightwood
    • Hours: Monday-Wednesday:  11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.