Joliet, Illinois – As extreme heat blankets northern Illinois, Will County officials have activated more than 30 cooling centers across the region to protect residents from dangerous conditions expected to continue through at least Friday.
According to the Will County Emergency Management Agency, libraries, village halls, police stations, and other public buildings in Joliet, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Lemont, Lockport, Beecher, and Mokena are now available for those without access to air conditioning. With heat index values reaching 100°F and above, health officials warn of increased risk for heat-related illness, especially among seniors and young children.
Cooling sites open to the public include:
- Aurora Public Library (Main, West, and Eola Branches) – Open daily, with evening hours on weekdays
- Romeoville Recreation Center (900 W. Romeo Rd) – Main cooling site during daytime hours
- Mokena Public Library (11327 W. 195th St) – Open until 9 p.m. Mon–Thurs
- Frankfort Township (11000 W. Lincoln Hwy) – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays
- Elwood Village Hall, Diamond Village Hall, and Crest Hill City Hall – Standard business hours
- Lemont Park District Core, Lemont Public Library, and The Core Fitness Center – Morning to evening availability
- New Lenox Public Library – Weekday and weekend hours, closed Sundays
- Lockport Police Department (1212 Farrell Rd) – Available after hours by request
- Braidwood City Hall and Wilmington City Hall – Weekdays, with after-hours access via local police
- Naperville’s 95th Street and Nichols Libraries – Extended summer hours into the evening
Some locations operate by request only, including Beecher Community Hall, Peotone Village Hall, and Wilmington Lions Club. Residents are urged to call ahead to confirm hours before arriving, as operating times may vary.
Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid strenuous activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Officials stress the importance of hydration and offer these centers as safe spaces to cool down during the hottest hours of the day.
Cooling center availability will be reassessed if the heatwave extends into the weekend. More updates may follow from the county’s emergency agency.
