CLARKSVILLE, IN (June 14, 2022) – Some local organizations are stepping up to offer relief from record temperatures being felt across Southern Indiana. Clarksville Heat Relief Coordinator Bronte Murrell has been working with those organizations to discover what type of hours and requirements these organizations have put in place for the public.

“For Clarksville residents who don’t have quality access to air-conditioning at home, a cooling center can be life-saving,” said Murrell. “Even spending just a few hours in air-conditioning each day can reduce your risk for a heat-related illness.”

The first cooling center is at the Clarksville Branch of the Jeffersonville Township Public Library. Library officials say area residents can come in and enjoy some relief from the heat during normal business hours, as long as they are taking advantage of library services. This could include reading a book, using a computer, or attending one of their adult events. This Friday, June 17th, the Library will be offering a crochet class from 11:00am-12:00pm. On Saturday, June 18th, there will be a feature film from 2:00pm-4:00pm. The Clarksville Library is located at 1312 Eastern Blvd. The Library’s hours are as follows:

Monday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am- 5:00pm
Sunday: Closed

The second cooling center is located at the Salvation Army Thrift Store, located at 528 Little League Boulevard in Clarksville. That’s just next door to Clarksville’s Gateway Park. Area residents are invited to come inside, rest their legs, and enjoy a glass of water. The Thrift Store will be operating as a cooling center through Thursday, June 16th, from 11:00am to 4:00pm daily.

If you are associated with a business, church, or community organization and would like to host your own cooling center, you can get started by reaching out to Clarksville’s Heat Relief Coordinator, Bronte Murrell, at (812) 283-1437 or bmurrell@townofclarksville.com.