Republic file photo The exterior of the Bartholomew County Public Library is shown in this file photo from 2022.
COLUMBUS, Ind. — As extreme heat continues to impact Bartholomew County, the Bartholomew County Public Library and the Donner Center have been designated as cooling stations, and are providing a space for individuals to cool down.
The Bartholomew County Public Library, located at 536 Fifth St. in Columbus, and its Hope Branch at 635 Harrison St. in Hope, are both opening to allow individuals without air conditioning to come in and cool off.
The main library in Columbus is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Hope branch is open on Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Donner Center, at 739 22nd St., Columbus, is open for cooling today, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Columbus Animal Care has provided crates for animals, who are not allowed to roam free. Service animals are not required to be crated.
Cooling stations are for individuals without air conditioning to come in and cool down. They do not provide food, showers, or areas for sleep. If visiting a cooling station, the facilities rules and other individuals should be respected.
