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Hurricane Wilma Report: October 28Hurricane Wilma made landfall October 24 north of Everglades City as a Category 3 storm and left some 3.2 million homes in South Florida without power for days. The following roundup of public library damage estimates was extracted from reports to the State Library of Florida, as of 2 p.m. October 28.Broward County Division of Libraries, Fort Lauderdale. All branches are still closed. There are massive electrical outages, many areas without water, and very limited gasoline due to the lack of power at gas stations. The main library did not receive major damage. Collier County Public Library, Naples. Selected branches reopened October 28. The Everglades City, Golden Gates Estates, East Naples, and Marco Island branches are closed until further notice. Most of the damage is to landscape. There is no electricity or phone service, and the roads are difficult to navigate due to downed trees and power lines. The Everglades City branch was located in city hall, which was severely damaged when the roof was torn off. The building has been condemned. Files, records, and books are being moved to a temporary city hall in FEMA supply trailers. Edison Community College, Fort Myers. Some roof damage to the learning resources center. No power. Fort Myers Beach Public Library reopened October 26. It sustained some interior damage (although none to the collections) because of rain entering the vents. Minor roof damage is suspected. Rain gutters were lost in one area of the library. Half of the library district remains without electricity. Hendry County Library System, Clewiston. The town was “flattened,” according to police deputies in a shelter. The business district was shattered. There was some looting, and a curfew is in effect indefinitely. Highland Beach Library is closed. Indian River County Library System, Vero Beach. There is some water in the North branch. Lake Worth Public Library. No damage or leaks, but the building still has no power. Lee County Library System, Fort Myers. All library staff and facilities are accounted for and providing library services with normal operating hours. The East County Regional branch in Lehigh Acres reported structural damage from water leakage in the main entrance. The Cape Coral branch’s children’s area had some water leakage. The Riverdale branch had water leakage around the main-entry glass area, where visible roof tiles are also missing. Lighthouse Point Library is located in city hall, which lost most of its roof and has major leaks. Power may be restored by November 22 and phone service by December 15. Martin County Library System, Stuart. The Blake Library had some water intrusion and problems with roof tiles. Four branches are open; one branch has no electricity. Miami-Dade Public Library System experienced modest damage. Major roof damage to the Northeast branch will force its closure for up to one year. The Hispanic branch suffered major water intrusion on its second floor and may operate on one floor or be relocated to another site within the neighborhood. Other branches experienced the loss of air-conditioning units, minor roof leaks, some broken windows and doors, and debris on all library grounds. Three days after the storm, 16 of 40 facilities were reopened. The system expects to open the majority of its branches once power is restored. Monroe County Public Library, Key West. Branches in Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon opened October 26, with some staff still absent. Big Pine Key branch opened October 27. Branch Manager Stephen Chambers lost everything in three feet of flooding throughout his apartment, but he salvaged his car. The Key West library will open October 31. About half the staff lost cars, housing, or everything, from flooding. Some staffers are still trying to find a way back home, as air travel is not fully available. Overall, the library buildings suffered only minor damages and leaks. North Miami Public Library had no power as of October 27. About 20% of the roof shingles were lost. All trees suffered extensive damage. A preliminary assessment of the interior (with a flashlight) showed some ceiling tiles had fallen down, spreading insulation and other debris. Until power is restored, the full extent of the damage remains unknown. Two library staffers had their home roofs collapse. Palm Beach County Library System, West Palm Beach. Libraries will remain closed through October 30. Palm Springs Public Library. No damage except for wet carpet around some doors. Director Elena Romeo lost the roof to her home. Riviera Beach Public Library is closed. St. John Vianney Seminary, Miami. The library lost the copper on its mansard roof, according to the Catholic Explorer, October 27. Saint Lucie County Library System, Fort Pierce. Three facilities reopened October 27 and the other two will open as soon as power is restored. The Hurston branch had ceiling tiles fall on the circulation desk and adjacent areas, but it has been cleaned up. The Fort Pierce branch had 25–30 tiles break on the roof, but no water intrusion. The Morningside branch had minor leaks Sanibel Public Library is open. Public internet access is down. Staff living in South Fort Myers still do not have electricity, but do have water and phone service. West Palm Beach Public Library will open October 29. Minimal water damage. Posted October 28, 2005. |
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