As temperatures start to go up, Alexandria’s annual program aimed at helping residents without home cooling make it through the summer is coming back.
The Summer Cooling program allows residents to beat the heat at several recreation centers and libraries around the city. The program came in handy for residents last summer during a heat wave. Like last year, however, there are some capacity restrictions due to COVID-19.
“During periods of extreme heat, the City offers cooling centers to residents at the Neighborhood Recreation Center locations… along with expanded hours, additional resources and support for those in need,” the city said on its website. “Due to COVID-19 prevention mandates, however, access to City recreation centers normally available to the public may be reduced.”
Locations to cool off include:
- Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street)
- Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Avenue)
- Lee Center (1108 Jefferson Street)
- Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue)
- Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson Street)
- Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue)
- William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Avenue)
- Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke Street)
- Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen Street)
- Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Road)
- James M. Duncan Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Avenue)
An additional program is available for Alexandrians 60 or older. The Senior Cool Care Program provides a cooling fan and assistance to seniors who meet some income requirements. Residents can call 703.746.5999 or email [email protected] to check eligibility requirements.
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If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.

If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
Family Fun Fall Fest
Mark your calendars and join us for the Family Fun Fall Fest on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 11am – 2pm!
This FREE in-person event will be held at the Shoppes at Foxchase, located at 4641 Duke St, Alexandria, VA
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.