Birmingham has opened 11 cooling stations to give residents a place to escape high temperatures and stay hydrated during heat events.
Cooling Stations Available Across Birmingham
The City of Birmingham is working with libraries, community groups, recreation centers, and service providers to provide air-conditioned spaces throughout the city.
The stations are activated when temperatures or heat indexes reach 95 degrees or higher. Residents can use these locations to cool down and drink water. They also provide a safer option during periods of extreme heat.
The stations are spread across several areas of Birmingham. This gives residents access to cooling spaces in different parts of the city.
Where to Find Birmingham Cooling Stations
In central Birmingham, four locations are available. Birmingham Public Library at 2100 Park Place is open Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It stays open until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Faith Chapel Care Center at 921 2nd Ave. North operates Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Pathways at 409 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Firehouse Ministries at 626 2nd Ave. North offers cooling hours from 2 to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
In North Birmingham, residents can visit North Birmingham Library at 2501 31st Ave. N. The library operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Tuesday hours extending to 8 p.m. The Fitness Center at 421 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. is also available. It operates from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday.
In West Birmingham, Five Points West Library at 4812 Ave. W. is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. One Roof at 730 8th Ave. West provides another cooling location from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
South Birmingham has two cooling stations. Harrison Recreation Center at 901 17th St. SW operates from noon to 5:30 p.m. most days. On Thursdays, hours begin at 9:30 a.m. Southside Library at 1814 11th Ave. South is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In East Birmingham, Woodlawn Library at 5709 1st Ave. N. operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Staying Safe During Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can create serious health risks, especially during prolonged periods of high temperatures. The city’s cooling stations give residents a place to seek relief when conditions become dangerous.
Residents should check operating hours before visiting. Hours may vary by location and could change during heat events.
For the latest information about Birmingham cooling stations, residents can visit the city’s homelessness resources page or monitor the city’s social media channels for heat-related updates.
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