Libraries, Town Halls open as cooling centers during heat wave

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Community cooling centers are opening across Dutchess County as extreme heat brings temperatures into the high 90s.

Many libraries, town halls and community facilities are serving as cooling centers, offering air-conditioned spaces, drinking water and restrooms. Temperatures are expected to reach triple digits in some areas of the county this week.

The centers will not be open this weekend. All locations will be closed on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, for the holiday weekend.

Northeast-Millerton Library, located at 28 Century Blvd., will be open and air-conditioned during its normal business hours — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Wednesday, July 1, to Friday, July 3. The North East Town Hall, at 19 N. Maple Ave., will be available as a cooling center Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Pine Plains Community Center, located at 7775 S. Main St. above the Pine Plains Free Library, will be open 24 hours a day from Wednesday through Friday. The Free Library downstairs is open noon to 6 p.m Friday, and Town Hall, at 3284 Route 199, is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Stanford Free Library, located at 6035 Route 82, will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Stanford’s Town Hall at 26 Town Hall Rd is available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

Extreme heat can cause dehydration and heat stroke. Residents are encouraged to remain inside or under shade whenever possible and drink plenty of water.

Graham Corrigan

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