Stay Cool at the Library During the Extreme Heat

Written by Liz Foreman, Brand Coordinator, Downtown Main Library 

Beat the heat by staying cool with the Library. All are welcome at any of the Library’s 41 locations during open hours. When the Library is closed, people in Hamilton County are encouraged to seek shelter by: 

• Visiting an open Cincinnati Recreation Center. 
• Calling the City of Cincinnati at 311, or calling the United Way at 211. 
• Calling the Central Access Point (CAP) hotline at 513-381-SAFE (7233) or texting CAP at 513-970-1515 for information about local services and shelters. 

Try a Cool Library Event 

There are 123 events planned during what is predicted to be the worst of the June heat, Sunday, June 22 – Tuesday, June 24. 

Find an indoor event that suits your interests, such as adult education, arts and culture, author visits, life skills, or STEM: 

• All Library Events June 22 – June 24 
• Featured Events  
• Storytimes 

Here are some top picks: 

• Sunday, June 22: Family Fun from 3-4 p.m. at the St. Bernard Branch 
• Monday, June 23: Anniversary Celebrations at the Reading Branch and St. Bernard Branch 
• Monday, June 23: Drop-In Tech Help, 1-3 p.m. at the Norwood Branch 
• Tuesday, June 24: P. Ann Everson Price Presents Jazz to Motown, 2-3 p.m. at the Monfort Heights Branch 
• Tuesday: June 24: Meet Birds of Prey, 1-2 p.m. at the Covedale Branch 

More Tips for Staying Cool at the Library 

The Library isn’t just a welcoming space to cool off — it’s a place with useful resources for limitless learning that can keep you engaged for hours. This is true for all ages, and it’s especially helpful for people who are most vulnerable to heat, like kids and older adults. 

Here are a few more ideas to get you through the hottest days: 

• Catch up on your reading, either in print or via the Library’s free WiFi. 
• Many of the Library’s Discovery Pass partner locations are air-conditioned — and all are educational! 
• Stop by one of the Library’s indoor play areas. 
• Cool down at Library events for all ages across all 41 locations.  
• Kids and teens can earn a prize in Summer Reading through July 31. 
• Summer meals and snacks are available at select CHPL locations for youth up to age 18. 
• Are you a budding author? Stop by a Writer-in-Residence event for free, expert advice. 
• Many Library locations have gaming equipment available for anyone to drop in and use. 
• Holds Lockers are available 24/7. Reserve your books and pick them up in the mornings or evenings when it’s cooler outside. 

Recommended Reading from CHPL’s Librarians 

Does reading about cold things really cool you down? It's worth a try! 

List created by CincyLibrary_Teens

These covers are so cold, they may make you shiver.Trapped

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List created by CincyLibrary_KidsPool Party

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See tips and resources from Hamilton County Public Health for staying safe in extreme heat.