06/16/2026
As temperatures continually rise, the City of Birmingham is partnering with community organizations, libraries, recreation centers, and service providers to offer cooling stations throughout the city for residents seeking relief from extreme heat.
Cooling stations will be activated whenever temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher, including the heat index or “feels like” temperature. These locations provide air-conditioned spaces where residents can cool down, hydrate, and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The initiative is designed to support Birmingham’s most vulnerable residents, including older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, families without reliable air conditioning, and anyone in need of a safe place to escape dangerous temperatures.
“Extreme heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can be life-threatening,” said Alanah Melton, director of unhoused strategies for the City of Birmingham. “We want every resident to know there are safe, welcoming places throughout Birmingham where they can find relief, stay hydrated, and protect their health during periods of excessive heat.”
Cooling stations are available in every quadrant of the city and include the Birmingham Public Library Central Branch, Five Points West Library, North Birmingham Library, Southside Library, Woodlawn Library, Harrison Recreation Center, the City of Birmingham’s Fitness Center, Faith Chapel Care Center, Firehouse Ministries, One Roof, and Pathways.
Residents are encouraged to check on elderly family members, neighbors, and friends during periods of extreme heat and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
For a complete list of cooling station locations and operating hours, visit www.birminghamal.gov/homelessness or follow the city’s social media channels for updates during heat events.
Here is a list of cooling stations:
CENTRAL
Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place
Mondays, Wednesdays through Saturdays: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesdays 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Faith Chapel Care Center, 921 2nd Ave. North,
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Pathways, 409 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North
Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Firehouse Ministries, 626 2nd Ave. North
2–5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
NORTH
North Birmingham Library, 2501 31st Ave. N
Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fitness Center, 421 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd
Monday 5:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Tuesday 5:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 5:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Thursday 5:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Friday 5:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Sunday Closed
WEST
Five Points West Library, 4812 Ave. W.
Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
One Roof, 730 8th Ave. West
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
SOUTH
Harrison Recreation Center, 901 17th St SW
Monday 12–5:30 p.m.
Tuesday 12–5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 12–5:30 p.m.
Thursday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Friday 12–5:30 p.m.
Saturday 12–5:30 p.m.
Sunday 12–5:30 p.m.
Southside Library, 1814 11th Ave. South
Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
EAST
Woodlawn Library, 5709 1st Ave. N
Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
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