Hurricane Katrina Library Update: September 7 (American Library Association)

http://tinyurl.com/bzcsy

Here is today's update on how Hurricane Katrina has affected libraries. See also AL's coverage since August 31. Anyone with first-hand information on the situation of librarians, libraries, and collections in the affected region, please email Katrina Library News at American Libraries.

ALA's Chapter Relations Office, September 7:

The American Library Association now has a web page devoted to library-specific relief funds, available housing for library workers, and resources for coping with the disaster.

Alabama Public Library Service, Montgomery, September 6:

APLS Director Rebecca Mitchell provided a summary of known damage to Alabama libraries as of Tuesday at 4 p.m. This is not a complete list, as she is still awaiting news from some libraries in the state.

Aliceville Public Library: Closed for two days with no electricity.

Arab Public Library: Trees down, shingles loose, temporarily without power.

Baldwin County Library Cooperative, Robertsdale: Building is OK but staying closed until phone service is restored.

Bay Minette Public Library: Minor roof leaks, but no books damaged.

Brewton Public Library: Leaks around the windows.

Cullman County Public Library System, Cullman: Temporary power outage and internet interruption, but back up.

Daphne Public Library: Roof leak.

Emmet O'Neal Library, Mountain Brook: Power outage.

Escambia County Cooperative Library System, Atmore: Some building damage. Administrator Patricia Heltzel is operating out of her home.

Ian Pullen Smallwood Memorial Library, Chickasaw: Power outage. Reopened September 6.

Mary Berry Brown Memorial Library, Midland City: Some building damage.

Mobile Public Library: Extensive damage to the main library and at least one branch.

Mose Hudson Tapia Public Library, Bayou La Batre: Library destroyed.

Satsuma Public Library: Broken window, some damage to storage shed, network down. Open for business, but waiting for power.

Selma and Dallas County Public Library, Selma: Leaks around some windows.

Sulligent Public Library: Standing water at the front door, but no damage. A snake was spotted inside, seeking refuge from the storm.

Thomas P. Norton Public Library, Gulf Shores: Very little damage, but lost a few trees.

Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library, Brundidge: Some hail damage.

Washington County Public Library, Chatom: Power outage; plans to be back in operation this week.

State Library of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, September 7:

Louisiana State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton writes: "We are in desperate need of computers and printers. We are being inundated with evacuees needing to file FEMA applications, unemployment, search for loved ones, etc., and are coming into our public libraries to use the computers. Our libraries have greatly extended their hours to accommodate the people, but they need additional computers and printers. If you can please put the word out that if anyone wants to help immediately, this is our greatest need."

Equipment specifications: Pentium 3, Windows 2000 (prefer XP), laser printers if you can still get toner for them.

Send equipment to: State Library of Louisiana, 701 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5232.

If you are able to assist them, let Rebecca know via email to help her know what to expect.

--
Grace E. Lee
URL: http://www.depravedlibrarian.com