City of Worcester, MA

Three Cooling Centers Open Thursday and Friday

For Immediate Release: 9/7/2023 11:55 am

WORCESTER, Mass. – Due to a forecasted high heat index Thursday and Friday, the City of Worcester will have three facilities serve as cooling centers.

The three facilities include the Worcester Public Library (WPL) Main Branch, the WPL Frances Perkins Branch, and the Worcester Senior Center (WSC). All three facilities will be available as cooling centers during their respective operating hours on Thursday and Friday, detailed below.

• The WPL main branch, located at 3 Salem Square, is open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• The WPL Frances Perkins Branch, located at 470 West Boylston St., is open Thursday from 12 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. On Friday, the branch is open from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• The WSC, located at 128 Providence St., is open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The cooling centers will provide water. In addition, Quality of Life team members will be equipped with water for distribution during their travels throughout the city Thursday and Friday.

The WPL and WSC are both accessible via the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which continues to provide fare-free service. The WRTA also provides curb-to-curb ADA transportation.

For information on bus routes, ADA transportation and travel training, please call the WRTA at 508-791-9782.

City officials remind residents that prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity impact the body’s natural cooling systems and can lead to elevated body temperature and risk of illness. Residents are advised to limit strenuous physical activity, stay hydrated, and check on neighbors.