Updated Sept. 3, 2011
Last weekend, Hurricane Irene ripped out the hearts of so many communities in the NorthEast and elsewhere. I have friends who have lost their belongings, friends who are without power and water, and family who have been isolated by floods ripping out their roads. While we just had some downed branches, a bit of damp in the basement and for some unknown reason, our power stayed on. I feel so fortunate.
Though I can’t do much in the way of digging mud out of homes, I thought I could at least help by finding out which libraries in my area are in need of help. Why libraries? Libraries should be a haven in any storm, whether economic or weather related, and are so often the heart of their communities. Let’s help them be that again.
Three libraries (that I know of) in my region were hit very hard by the storm. After days without power and phone service, some reports have trickled in to the Mohawk Valley Library System & Mid-Hudson Library System. Word is that they’ve all been flooded and lost portions of their collections.
There are relief efforts in all of these areas. But if you’d like to help out the libraries directly, I imagine a check sent to the library wouldn’t go amiss when it comes time to restore the buildings and rebuild collections.
Other Regional Relief Efforts
And Yet More Libraries in Need – updated Spet 3, 2011
Unfortunately, these aren’t the only libraries that have been damaged.
(flickr photo by Chad Fust)
I’m very happy to be participating in the next Carterette Series webinars sponsored by the Georgia Library Association on Wednesday, January 18 from 2 – 4:15 PM. Registration is free.
