Outdoor Cool Spaces
The City of Boston is protecting our neighborhoods by expanding shaded outdoor spaces at our libraries and community centers.
Outdoor Cool Spaces help residents stay cool and comfortable during hot weather at public spaces, including Boston Public Libraries (BPL) and Boston Centers for Youth & Families’ (BCYF) community centers. Each location includes features like shade, seating, and cooling misters. These spaces support the important role that libraries and community centers play in everyday civic life as places for community programs, trusted services, and welcoming gathering spaces.
Visit an Outdoor Cool Space:
Select a location for information on hours, facilities, and resources:
Why build outdoor cool spaces?
Outdoor Cool Spaces help advance several City goals:
Boston is experiencing a steady rise in hot days each year. Today, Boston experiences about 10 days over 90 degrees but by 2030, that number could triple to 30 days over 90 degrees. Outdoor Cool Spaces help respond to this growing challenge by creating more shaded and welcoming public areas where residents can cool off, rest, and connect to community resources.
Outdoor Cool Spaces support strategies from Boston’s Heat Plan, an effort to prepare for hotter and longer summers. The project builds on the City’s efforts to improve community readiness during hot weather by increasing shade on municipal sites and supporting cooling spaces that help residents stay safe and comfortable during heat waves.
Our libraries and community centers function as essential community resource hubs. They provide access to a wide range of services and amenities that support learning, wellness, and social connection. Creating joyful, shared public spaces to gather, connect, and support one another is more important than ever.
Program History
2020: Pandemic Response
In response to COVID-19, the BPL installed 24-hour Internet access points outside of fourteen branches. The pandemic highlighted how many Boston residents rely on libraries for Internet access, technical support, and a range of services and amenities to support learning, wellness, and social connection.
2021: The Wi-Fi Pilot & Climate Focus
In 2021, the BPL piloted “Outdoor Wi-Fi Pop-ups.” As 24/7 outdoor workspaces with lighting, shade, and access to the Internet and essential services, the pop-ups provided a setting for the return of in-person community events such as book groups, neighborhood discussions, and quilting circles.
The pilot launched at the East Boston, Egleston Square, Codman Square, Brighton, Mattapan, and Grove Hall branches. These sites were equipped with misting and cooling features to help residents stay cool during heat waves, further acknowledging the role libraries play in supporting community resilience in the context of a changing climate.
2022: Growth to Nine Library Locations
In 2022, two additional locations were added to the network: the Shaw-Roxbury and Hyde Park branches.
2024: Expansion and Partnership with BCYF
In 2024, the initiative expanded to include three BCYF community centers, bringing the Outdoor Cool Spaces infrastructure beyond libraries to serve more neighborhoods.
