by Stefanie | 05.20.22

“Hot town, summer in the city

Back of my neck gettin' dirty and gritty

Been down, isn't it a pity?

Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city

All around, people lookin' half dead

Walkin' on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head”

We can’t all have houses in the Hamptons, boats on Lake Michigan, or a place to chill in the OC. Lovin’ Spoonful got it right when they wrote “Summer in the City” in 1966. If you are, or ever have been, a city dweller then you know it ain’t easy to beat the heat in the concrete jungle. So what’s a guy or gal to do? Here are a few easy ways to stay cool even when the temperature hits a record high.

Book it to your local library, ASAP

Free AC? ✔

Free Wifi? ✔✔

Free movie streaming? ✔✔✔

All the books and magazines you can read? ✔✔✔✔

Getting a library card is free for anyone who can write their name so head to the public library and take advantage of one of the most underused and underappreciated places in your city.

Soak up some culture after you soak up some rays

Remember that awesome library card we just discussed? Well, most libraries offer the ability to reserve free tickets to museums to anyone with a card. This can usually be done in just a few clicks from the library’s website. Oftentimes banks or credit unions also offer free or discounted entry to museums on certain days, so spend 5 minutes doing your research and get hours of entertainment in return. Now that’s a deal!

Everybody in the pool!

Did you know that Chicago is home to more than 70 public pools? LA has over 60, NYC has more than 50, and even Anchorage has 7. What does that mean for you? It means that you and your friends have access to plenty of free or low-cost places to splash and get wet in the city this summer.

Do you want buttered popcorn or plain?

Ok, so going to the movies these days can be an expensive venture if you want to see the latest summer blockbuster. But there are TONS of theaters that give huge discounts on tickets for older movies or morning show times. Take a leap and try something new. You might find a previously undiscovered masterpiece. Or worst case scenario, you eat your popcorn and sno-caps, settle back and take a nap for two hours in air conditioning so cold you just might want a sweater.

With so many options to choose from, you’re covered (or uncovered) all summer long. So grab a frosty beverage, throw on some sunnies and break out your summer playlist - just not while you’re IN the library, please. Stay cool, hanni gang - you’ve got this!