Florida Libraries Provide Critical Disaster Recovery Assistance

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, libraries across Florida are providing vital services to people in need.  Libraries play a critical role in disaster recovery, providing computers with internet access and wi-fi for people who need to communicate with their families or register for relief assistance; “comfort stations” where people can escape the heat, get a drink of water, and charge their cell phones; and trained staff who can connect people with news, phone numbers, online forms, and other information they need to get back on their feet.  Libraries are a critical communication hub in times of crisis.
Libraries which were not severely affected by the storm are open and are assisting residents and evacuees. The Florida Library Association (FLA) is working with the State Library of Florida to assist libraries that were damaged by the storm. FLA has created the Florida Libraries Disaster Relief Fund to accept monetary donations, and the Florida Libraries Rebuild Network, an online information sharing system to help connect those offering assistance to libraries in need.  Both can be found on the FLA website. “Our hearts go out to the millions of people impacted by this storm and we will do everything we can to help affected libraries get up and running again as soon as possible,” said FLA President Robin Shader.
Thousands of Floridians are still without power a week after Hurricane Irma, and this includes many libraries.  In 2011 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognized libraries as being “essential” community organizations, acknowledging the important role libraries play in disaster recovery. According to Shader, “People trust libraries and rely on them to provide access to information, assistance, and computers. Restoring power and internet to libraries as soon as possible will help thousands of people communicate with their families, receive recovery updates, and apply for and receive assistance.”
In Jefferson County there is a Go Fund Me campaign to purchase a generator for the public library.
According to campaign creator Natalie Binder, “In times of crisis, people need their library to be open. Older folks can use it as a cooling station, kids can have activities there, and people can begin to file their insurance and relief claims. This is the second time the library has lost power due to hurricanes in 2 years. I’m raising money to install an emergency generator in the library so we can continue to provide services in good times and bad.”
Parts of the state hardest hit by Hurricane Irma are still assessing damage, but early reports indicate that libraries in southwest Florida have suffered the most structural damage. FLA will post damage reports on their website as they are confirmed.