The summer of 2024 is off to a hot start! In fact, our first major heatwave hit prior to the first day of summer.

As we’re heading into extreme heat again, MVES would like to share a list of Cooling Centers throughout the 11 communities we serve. Cooling Centers are essential to communities, as health officials warn that electric fans may not be enough to prevent heat illness during extreme heat. They recommend spending at least part of the day in air conditioning. This is especially important for older adults, as our bodies respond to heat differently over the age of 50.

Additionally, scroll down for a list of helpful resources for coping with the heat, ranging from recognizing the signs of heat stroke to the AARP’s tip for keeping an air conditioner running well.

CHELSEA

Chelsea Senior Center, 10 Riley Way, Chelsea, MA 02150

• Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Chelsea Library, 569 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150

• Monday 9:00am – 8:00pm

• Tuesday 9:00am – 8:00pm

• Wednesday 9:00am – 8:00pm

• Thursday 9:00am – 8:00pm

• Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

• Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm

EVERETT

The Connolly Center (Senior Center), 90 Chelsea Street, Everett, MA 02149

• Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Tuesday 8:00am – 5:00pm

• Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm

• Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm

• Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm

Parlin Memorial Library, 410 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149

• Monday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Tuesday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Wednesday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

• Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm

MALDEN

Malden Police Department – Community Room, 800 Eastern Avenue, Malden, MA 02148

*The community room is open as a cooling center during the heat crisis.

• Tuesday 8:00am – 7:00pm

• Wednesday 8:00am – 7:00pm

• Thursday 8:00am – 7:00pm

• Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm

Malden Senior Center, 7 Washington Street, Malden, MA 02148

• Monday 8:00am – 3:00pm

• Tuesday 8:00am – 3:00pm

• Wednesday 8:00am – 3:00pm

• Thursday 8:00am – 3:00pm *extended to 7pm during heat emergency

• Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm *extended to 7pm during heat emergency

Malden Public Library, 36 Salem Street, Malden, MA 02148

• Monday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Tuesday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Wednesday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm

• Saturday 9:00am – 6:00pm

MEDFORD

Medford Senior Center, 101 Riverside Avenue, Medford, MA 02155

• Monday 9:00am – 4:00pm

• Tuesday 9:00am – 4:00pm

• Wednesday 9:00am – 4:00pm

• Thursday 9:00am – 4:00pm

• Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm

Medford City Hall, 85 George P Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155

• Monday 8:30am – 4:30pm

• Tuesday 8:30am – 4:30pm

• Wednesday 8:30am – 7:30pm

• Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm

• Friday 8:30am – 12:30pm

Medford Police Station, 100 Main Street, Medford, MA 02155

• Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Medford Public Library, 111 High Street, Medford, MA 02155

• Monday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Tuesday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Wednesday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm

• Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm

West Medford Community Center, 111 Arlington Street, Medford, MA 02155

• Monday 9:00am – 6:00pm

• Tuesday 9:00am – 6:00pm

• Wednesday 9:00am – 6:00pm

• Thursday 9:00am – 6:00pm

• Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm

MELROSE

Melrose Public Library, Temporary Location at Beebe School, 263 West Foster Street, Melrose, MA 02176

• Monday 10:00am – 9:00pm

• Tuesday 10:00am – 9:00pm

• Wednesday 10:00am – 9:00pm

• Thursday 10:00am – 9:00pm

• Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm

• Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm

• Sunday 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Milano Senior Center, 201 West Foster Street, Melrose, MA 02176

• Monday 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Tuesday 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Wednesday 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Thursday 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Friday 8:30am – 12:30pm

NORTH READING

*Please call emergency services if there are needs outside of these hours.

Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01864

• Tuesday 10:00am – 8:00pm

• Wednesday 10:00am – 5:00pm

• Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm

• Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm

• Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm

North Reading Senior Center, 157 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01864

• Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Friday 8:00am – 1:00pm

READING

Reading Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading, MA 01867

• Monday 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Tuesday 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:30pm

• Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm

• Friday 8:30am – 12:30pm

Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA 01867

• Monday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Wednesday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Thursday 1:00pm – 9:00pm

• Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

• Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm

• Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm

*Please call emergency services if there are emergencies outside of these hours.

REVERE

Revere Senior Center, 25 Winthrop Avenue, Winthrop, MA 02151

• Monday 7:00am – 5:00pm

• Tuesday 7:00am – 5:00pm

• Wednesday 7:00am – 5:00pm

• Thursday 7:00am – 5:00pm

• Friday 7:00am – 5:00pm

Revere Public Library, 179 Beach Street, Revere, MA 02151

• Monday 8:00am – 7:00pm

• Tuesday 9:00am – 8:00pm

• Wednesday 8:00am – 8:00pm

• Thursday 8:00am – 8:00pm

• Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

• Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm

American Legion Lawn, 249 Broadway, Revere, MA 02151

• Thursday June 20 and Friday, June 21st 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Misting, sunscreen, and water will be available

Revere City Hall, 281 Broadway, Revere, MA 02151

• 8:00am – 5:00pm

During heat emergency

STONEHAM

Stoneham Senior Center, 136 Elm Street, Stoneham, MA 02180

• Monday 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Tuesday 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Wednesday 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Thursday 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm

Stoneham Library, 431 Main Street, Stoneham, MA 02180

• Monday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Tuesday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm

• Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

WAKEFIELD

Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, 345 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880

• Monday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Tuesday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Wednesday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm

• Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm

• Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm

Wakefield Senior Center, 30 Converse Street, Wakefield, MA 01880

• Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Friday 8:00am – 12:30pm

WINTHROP

Winthrop Senior Center, 35 Harvard Street, Winthrop, MA 02152

• Monday 8:30am – 3:30pm

• Tuesday 8:30am – 3:30pm

• Wednesday 8:30am – 3:30pm

• Thursday 8:30am – 3:30pm

• Friday 8:30am – 1:00pm

Winthrop Library, 2 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152

• Monday 10:00am – 6:00pm

• Tuesday 10:00am – 8:00pm

• Wednesday 10:00am – 8:00pm

• Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm

• Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm

• Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Extreme Heat Safety (a comprehensive guide of what to do before, during and after a heat emergency) Red Cross:  www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/extreme-heat-safety.html

7 Ways to Stay Cool on the Cheap AARP: https://www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-2022/keep-cool-cheap-tips.html

Preventing Heat-Related Illness CDC: www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/prevention/index.html

Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses CDC: www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/index.html

11 Tips to Keep Your Window Air Conditioner Running All Summer Long AARP: www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2023/window-air-conditioner-maintenance.html

Can You Help Keep a Neighbor Cool – and Safe?

Did you know that air conditioners are one of the most requested items from our Independence Fund? Sometimes, our staff are working with an older adult and realize the individual is facing an urgent need. It could be overdue dental work or a mattress so worn that the metal coils are poking out. As long as it’s something they urgently need and it can’t be paid for in another way, it’s eligible for a request to the MVES Independence Fund. All too often, we encounter older adults with medical conditions who would be drastically safer and more comfortable if an AC unit was installed in their home. To donate to our Independence Fund and help a neighbor today, click the button below to make a secure donation on our website. Donations of any amount are welcomed.

*Note: This fund was previously named Elder Independence Fund.