Extreme heat is underway in the region, with a National Weather Service advisory warning in place until 8 p.m. Thursday, June 26. For those looking to find air conditioning and water to beat the heat, entities throughout the county are opening their doors throughout the week to help the community stay safe, cool and hydrated.
We will continue to update this list as information is made available; drop us a line at info@athensindependent.com with additions.
Cooling centers in Athens County, Ohio
- The Athens County Public Library network is open at all seven branches Monday through Saturday, providing air conditioning, water bottle fill stations and water fountains to the public. Summer event programming will occur inside; see locations and hours here
- Tavolino restaurant on the West Side will open its doors as a cooling station Monday–Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; free lunch is provided Tuesday until 2 p.m. 9 N. Shafer St., Athens.
- Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Department will operate as a cooling center. 34 S. 6th St., Jacksonville.
- Athens Community Center invites the public to cool off in its indoor facilities for free. See hours here. 701 E. State St., Athens.
- Hocking Athens Perry Community Action opens its doors to the public as a cooling station at multiple locations: HAPCAP’s Glouster office, The Market at Hocking Drive, and New Lexington Service Center during regular business hours. Locations and hours available here.
- Doug’s Carryout and Grocery invites the public to enjoy its air conditioning; no store purchases necessary. Open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. seven days a week. 29539 SR 143, Albany.
- Mountain Mystic LLC extended its welcome Wednesday, June 25, saying it will keep its doors open to the public as a cooling station, from noon–6 p.m. 37 Public Square, Nelsonville.
- OhioMeansJobs Athens County announced Tuesday, June 24 that its air-conditioned lobby is available during business hours, and anyone looking for a place to work is welcome to utilize free WIFI, laptop use and printing. 10 W. Washington St., Nelsonville.
- Federal Valley Resource Center shared with the Independent an invite to come inside and share its window-unit air conditioned rooms during business hours. Thrift store times are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday–Saturday; on Friday a food pantry featuring fresh produce is available 11 a.m.–noon. See here for list of regular weekly events including this week’s Sunday bluegrass jam (2–4 p.m.) and choice food pantry (12:30–1:30 p.m.). 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
- Note: This article has been updated since initial publication to include additional cooling center locations and the extended extreme heat warning.
