Seeking Relief from the Heat: Dongducheon City Libraries Emerge as Popular Cooling Shelters for Citizens

The Dongducheon City Library and Cultural Affairs Office announced on August 12 that, as the recent heatwave continues, libraries in Dongducheon City are serving as cooling shelters, attracting a steady flow of citizens.

As the recent heatwave continues, libraries in Dongducheon City are serving as cooling shelters, attracting a steady flow of citizens. Provided by Dongducheon City

The city's six public libraries, which have typically served as quiet reading spaces, have seen a significant increase in visitors seeking relief from the scorching heat, with daily temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius.

With comfortable air conditioning and relaxing rest areas, the libraries are gaining attention as places where people can escape the heat while enjoying reading and leisure activities. On average, about 500 people visit each day. In particular, during daytime hours, there has been a noticeable increase in use by seniors and families with children on summer vacation.

Dongducheon City has designated all six public libraries in the area as cooling shelters. Anyone can freely use the facilities during operating hours, and, in addition to book browsing, amenities such as Wi-Fi, chargers, and cold water dispensers are provided. Furthermore, the newly opened Orebbit Library has launched a "Bookcation" program, which has received an enthusiastic response.

One citizen who visited the library during the heatwave commented, "It's great to be able to read books and take a break in a quiet, well-air-conditioned space. I find myself coming here even more often than to a cafe."

The Dongducheon City Library and Cultural Affairs Office plans to further strengthen the libraries' role as cooling shelters in response to the heatwave, and to operate a variety of programs so that libraries can function as complex cultural spaces in daily life, beyond simply providing information.

For more details, please visit the Dongducheon City Library website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.