Roanoke lists cooling centers as summer temperatures rise

Roanoke is pointing residents toward cooling centers as summer heat builds, with public access to air-conditioned spaces and drinking water during normal operating hours.

The city lists cooling locations at Belmont Presbyterian Church, 1005 Ninth Street SE; The Hope Center, 510 11th Street NW; and all six Roanoke Public Library branches. Library locations named by the city include Belmont Library, Gainsboro Library, Main Branch Library, Melrose Library, Raleigh Court Library and Williamson Road Library.

The notice is especially relevant for residents who are older, have medical vulnerabilities, work outdoors, lack dependable air conditioning or need a safe public place during hotter parts of the day.

• What to know: Cooling centers are available during normal operating hours, and the city maintains an updated map and hours page.
• Who is affected: Roanoke residents vulnerable to extreme temperatures, families checking on neighbors and anyone without reliable cooling at home.
• Why it matters: Heat risk can rise before a formal weather alert is issued, so residents need known places to cool off and hydrate.

Roanoke encourages residents to stay hydrated, limit prolonged outdoor activity during peak heat and check on family, neighbors and friends during extreme summer heat.

Source: Reporting based on the City of Roanoke June 11, 2026 notice, City of Roanoke Supports Summer Cooling Centers, checked June 16, 2026.