Editor's Note: This story originally ran the summer of 2011, but in light of this week's "heatwave" — Thursday's forecast high is 9o degrees Fahrenheit — we thought readers would appreciate a re-print of these stay-cool tips.

There are lots of ways to stay cool around Kent. Here are five tips for beating the heat today and throughout the summer.

1. Read a book. The Kent Free Library is air conditioned, and for those who don't have the luxury of keeping their house or apartment below 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the library can be a welcome respite — especially for seniors — and it's free.
2. Cool down in the pool at the Kent State Recreation and Wellness Center. The natatorium is open from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today, and the leisure pool opens at noon. Non-members can use the pool for $10 a day with photo ID. In addition, the center offers special deals for seniors. The SilverSneakers Fitness Program offers a free membership to the rec center for anyone  Medicare eligible with a qualifying secondary insurer. To find out if they are eligible, interested members can log on to www.silversneakers.com. And seniors who don't qualify for SilverSneakers can still get a 10 percent discount on a membership with their Golden Buckeye card.
3. Speaking of pools, the pool at Theodore Roosevelt High School is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for admission rates.
4. Lower your core temperature with a tasty treat from ice cream shops like the Arctic Squirrel, Katie's Korner Ice Cream, Stoddard's Frozen Custards, Dairy Queen, or try a root beer float at A&W.
5. On Saturdays, take a trip on the Cuyahoga River with Crooked River Adventures.

Got a tip for staying cool in Kent? Help us beat the heat by sharing your ideas in the comments.