Libraries Connected has highlighted growing demand for libraries to act as "cool spaces" during heatwaves in a letter to the Environmental Audit Committee, as rising temperatures expose significant limits in the library estate, with many buildings unable to stay safe or open in extreme heat.

The letter to Toby Perkins MP, Chair of the Committee, responds to his recent call for urgent action on heat resilience in public buildings, and sets out the role libraries are already playing in supporting communities. It notes that a growing number of libraries are providing "safe, accessible respite for people whose homes have become uncomfortably or dangerously hot".

However, the letter warns that the current estate is "not currently equipped to meet the demand for heat respite", with many buildings lacking air conditioning or design features needed to stay cool. As a result, services are increasingly having to reduce activity or close altogether during heatwaves.

Evidence from library leaders highlights the scale of the issue. Some services report buildings exceeding 30°C by mid-morning, forcing closures at short notice, while others have had to cancel activities, withdraw mobile services or stand down volunteers due to safety risks.

With extreme heat becoming more frequent, Libraries Connected is asking the Committee to explore how national policy and investment can better support libraries in this role - including assessing the resilience of the estate, prioritising cooling measures such as air conditioning, shading and ventilation, and targeting support to communities least able to provide safe cool spaces.