Pio Pico - Koreatown Branch Library at 694 S Oxford Ave. in Koreatown on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Pio Pico - Koreatown Branch Library in Koreatown is one of hundreds of locations the city of Los Angeles says will act as a cooling center during the March 2026 heat wave. (Gary Coronado / For The LA Local)

Recent days have brought a noticeable uptick in temperatures across Los Angeles, prompting officials like Mayor Karen Bass to warn locals to be cautious as the heat intensifies.  

The city is currently under a heat advisory until Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.

Southern California is in the midst of a heat wave, with temperatures reaching 15 to 25 degrees higher than normal through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasts show that many daily and potentially monthly March records will be broken and warm overnight temperatures will persist, providing little relief from heat risk.

City officials have warned about severe health problems that can be experienced during high heat including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes.

Heat strokes are the most serious illness related to high temperatures and occur when a person’s body can no longer regulate its temperature. Symptoms include a lack of sweating, high body temperature and dizziness, among others. 

“As a former nurse and a physician assistant, I know first-hand that this heat is something to treat extremely seriously, and I’m making sure the City is preparing accordingly,” Bass said in a statement Monday.

“Hundreds of City facilities, including libraries and recreation centers, are available for Angelenos who need to stay cool. Do not hesitate – get indoors and into air conditioning and protect yourself.”

They can be found thanks to the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Los Angeles Public Libraries or by calling 3-1-1. 

There are hundreds of recreation and parks facilities and local library branches in the city serving as cooling centers.

For neighbors near Koreatown, Pico Union and Westlake, here are some air-conditioned spaces to check out:

Koreatown YMCA Center for Community Well‑Being
433 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020

Hours:
Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Pio Pico Koreatown Branch Library
694 S. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90005

Hours:
Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Wilshire Branch Library
149 N. St. Andrews Place, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Hours:
Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Felipe de Neve Branch Library
2820 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90057

Hours:
Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Washington Irving Branch Library
4117 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018

Hours:
Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Galleria Market
3250 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006

Hours:
Daily: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Lafayette Community Center
625 S. Lafayette Park Place, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 a.m.
Sunday: Closed

Pico Union Branch Library
1030 S. Alvarado St., Los Angeles, CA 90006

Hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Pecan Recreation Center
145 S. Pecan St., Los Angeles, CA 90033

Extended hours: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

My background: I immigrated to Los Angeles as a child from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and have spent many years working as a journalist in LA, covering a wide range of communities and issues.

What I do: I’m a reporter for The LA Local, focusing on Koreatown, Pico Union, and Westlake. Most days, you’ll find me out in the field, looking for stories that matter to the community.

Why LA: The vibrant immigrant communities, the food, the sense of belonging, and of course, the weather.

The best way to contact me: My email is marina@thelalocal.org.

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