Washtenaw County officials have expanded access to public cooling spaces as the Ann Arbor area braces for a brief but intense heat spell. Forecasts for Tuesday, July 14, call for air temperatures in the mid-to-high 90s and a humid “feels like” heat index up to 104 degrees, prompting the county to publicize locations where residents can safely cool down.
Where to go and when
The county extended hours at one county site and confirmed several county buildings and libraries will operate as cooling centers. On Tuesday, the atrium at the Towner Human Services Building, 555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti, will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. for people to sit, cool off and hydrate, according to the county Office of Community and Economic Development.
Two additional county facilities in Ann Arbor — the Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave., and the county administration building, 200 N. Main St. — are designated cooling sites for Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Library cooling sites across the area
Several public libraries are also serving as cooling locations during their regular hours. Ann Arbor residents can use these branches to escape the heat:
- Ann Arbor District Library — Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor District Library — Mallets Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor District Library — Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor District Library — Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor District Library — Westgate, 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor
The county also lists libraries in neighboring communities that are available as cooling sites: Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan and Northville. A complete and current list is posted by the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development at washtenaw.org/summer-cooling-sites.
“During this time, the atrium can be used to sit down, cool off, and hydrate,” the county release said regarding the Towner Human Services Building.
Practical reminders
Local officials emphasized using these spaces to avoid dangerous heat exposure. For Tuesday, community members should consider altering plans that require outdoor exertion during peak afternoon heat and take usual precautions: drink water, limit strenuous activity, and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to heat-related illness.
| Location | Address | Tuesday hours |
|---|---|---|
| Towner Human Services Building | 555 Towner St., Ypsilanti | 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Learning Resource Center | 4135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor | 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| County Administration Building | 200 N. Main St., Ann Arbor | 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Residents should verify hours before traveling, as library and county facility schedules can change. The county's online list offers the most up-to-date information on cooling sites and hours.
For immediate needs during the heat wave, these designated spaces provide free, accessible relief for people who lack air conditioning or safe places to cool off.
