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Hurricane Katrina Library Update: September 9Here 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.Jefferson Parish Library, Metairie, September 9: Director Lon Dickerson gives this summary of how individual library facilities fared, in rank order of damage. Destroyed or virtually destroyed Grand Isle branch—reportedly totally flooded (I have not seen it yet). Lakeshore branch, Metairie—one-third or more of the roof is destroyed; a large window on the north side is broken and on the library floor; one foot of water is in the building; all books on the bottom shelves are completely destroyed, along with lots of others where the rain hit sections of shelves; 35–40% of salvageable collection was evacuated by maintenance staff on September 1 and part of September 2 until the maintenance staff was assigned nonlibrary tasks; most of the remaining collection is no longer salvageable; everything in the building must be removed along with walls, etc.; if structure is sound, the library can be remodeled. Belle Terre branch, Marrero—two bad holes in the roof resulted in approximately 250 destroyed books, which we removed; sections of shelves are covered with plastic to prevent further damage; maintenance staff was assigned to nonlibrary tasks before the roof could be patched; the building can no longer be entered safely; everything is lost; once gutted, it can likely be remodeled. Bad damage Gretna branch—the “new” roof is completely destroyed; computers are damaged or destroyed; everything in the building must be evacuated; the owner of this leased building will be responsible for determining what to do with the building and when. Live Oak branch, Waggaman—extensive roof damage; there is water damage in children’s and staff area; everything looked salvageable on August 31; uncertain what water and humidity damage has subsequently occurred; status uncertain. Moderate damage West Bank Regional Library, Harvey—the meeting room can no longer be safely entered (it’s sealed off); there is water damage along the northern windows and adjoining emergency exit, as well as elsewhere in building. Old Metairie branch—lots of tiles were blown off the roof; the entrance ceiling is badly damaged; the glass wall in the northeast section absorbed a lot of water and is structurally unsound; the meeting room is being used to hold books evacuated from the Lakeshore branch. Relatively minor or little damage East Bank Regional Library, Metairie—sections of various walls and carpet have been or are being removed; dozens of commercial dehumidifiers and fans have made a huge difference in humidity (over 80% yesterday); a/c cannot be used until more of the cleanup has been completed. North Kenner branch—books in tiny shelves east of the entrance were destroyed by water; no other water damage noted; power line/connection is a serious problem; I will engage Westbank Electric tomorrow. Westwego branch—minor water damage; significant roof damage; not seen since August 31; current status unknown. Charles A. Wagner branch—water is in the staff area; lots of water damaged ceiling tiles throughout building; serious flooding stopped an inch or two short of the building; fish were stranded in parking lot; not seen since September 1; current status unknown. Terrytown branch—water is in the staff area; wet carpet along north wall; everything was still ok when I was there yesterday; unfortunately, neither the wind nor rain got rid of the vivid pink exterior trim. Rosedale branch—very minor water damage by the north window; not seen since August 31; current status unknown. Lafitte branch—only very minor damage. Harahan branch—screwed-shut window was blown open over computers; damage unknown; otherwise everything was still ok when I was there today. River Ridge e-branch—I haven’t been inside yet; everything looked perfect through the window on August 30. Tangipahoa Parish Library, Amite, September 8: Christopher Kuechmann writes: “I finally was able to get through to the administrative offices today. I spoke with Interim Director Lenore Johnson. She said that all of the branches came through pretty well from Katrina. They waited to open until all of the branches had electricity. They have arranged their hours to honor the curfew in effect currently. The Hammond branch lost a big plate-glass window in the front of the building. The branch manager got the needed plywood to board up. I am going to try and speak with Martha Ebrecht yet today who is the treasurer for the Library Board of Control. If they can work with me, I will still plan to move to the parish and start work as library director as soon as possible.” State Library of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, September 9: State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton writes: “The outpouring of support for our request for computers has been tremendous. We nearly have what we need. Please put out the word that we have what we need in the way of computers and printers and people can focus on those other states that have been devastated. Tell everyone to pass on the word. We are working quickly to prepare the computers for our libraries and you all have saved the day!” New Orleans Public Library, September 9: NOPL Archivist Wayne Everard writes: “There was no water in the Main Library except for the usual slight backup from the sewerage system and a couple of minor leaks evident on the first floor. I was in with Irene and Linda Santi a good bit of the day yesterday. Two windows in the Technology Center were blown out and there was some damage in there, but that was probably good in that it confined damage to that one room. There is no evidence that anyone was living in the building; we suspect that the police/National Guard went in a broken window, looked around and left through the back door. With help from City Hall we got plywood up over the two windows. But the news is very good.” NOPL Assistant Archivist Irene Wainwright adds: “The New Orleans City Archives, which we hold, is relatively safe. Although the majority of our records (as well as the 19th- and early 20th-century records of the Orleans Parish civil and criminal courts) are housed in the basement of the Main Library, some 18 feet below sea level, the basement remained essentially dry. Wayne Everard, our archivist, and I were able to get access to the building yesterday, along with another NOPL staff member and a representative of Munters. We discovered that the basement sustained no flooding, although there is a very small amount of water in one area, possibly caused by sewer backup. This water caused no direct damage to records themselves. “The Main Library itself (across the plaza from city hall, about four blocks from the Superdome) came through almost unscathed. Several windows blew out in the area of our Technology Center causing quite a bit of damage there, but the damage is confined to that closed-in room. There is also evidence of very minimal roof leakage on the first floor—most of it missing the books. On the whole, however, the Main Library is in excellent shape. Earlier reports that vandals had entered the building are incorrect. Our branch-run van was looted and we believe another van was stolen from the parking lot, but it is clear that no one got into the building, either to vandalize or to shelter there. “The NOPL system itself has been hit hard—probably about half of our 11 branch libraries are under water. But these we can (and will) rebuild. The fact that the archives have survived leaves us almost delirious with relief. We are working now to arrange for Munters to stabilize the Main Library building until we can all return and begin the rebuilding process. “Thank you all for your expressions of concern and offers of assistance. We are unbelievably lucky, and I think I now believe in miracles.” American Library Association, September 9: As part of the American Library Association’s ongoing effort to support libraries and displaced library staff in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, current ALA members in the affected zone will receive an automatic, complimentary six-month extension to their membership. Over 850 personal, organizational and corporate members in areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama will receive this automatic extension. A list of zip codes for eligible members is available on ALA’s Chapter Relations Katrina website. The site is updated regularly and also provides information about ongoing relief efforts. For more information on ALA Membership dues extension, please contact John Chrastka at 800-545-2433, ext 2159. University of Texas at Arlington Libraries, September 9: UTA Libraries has developed an online guide to mapping and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) resources focusing on the Gulf Coast area affected by Hurricane Katrina. The website includes informational maps showing available shelter locations around the United States for people displaced by the disaster, before-and-after navigational satellite maps of the Gulf Coast, video and still satellite photography of the destruction, hurricane and weather maps, collections of resources, and a link to a live regional map with information on specific locations and daily updates. Harris County (Tex.) Public Library, Houston, September 9: “ HCPL Children’s Librarian Stephanie Borgman writes: “Public libraries have made a tremendous difference to the evacuees. By far the greatest numbers are being seen in branch libraries where people have flocked for information and referral as well as computer access. Many others have been served through outreach visits by branch staff to the smaller-scale shelters that sprang up all over the area. It was possible to set up a library at the George R. Brown Convention Center, as that was the last and smallest of the four large shelters to open. As recently as yesterday we were still trying to get space at the Reliant Park complex. That effort is now on hold. HCPL and Houston Public Library have worked as partners to try to meet the needs of the evacuees. Independent municipal libraries as well as those in neighboring counties have stepped forward as well.” South Bend (Ind.) Tribune, September 9: Sarah Miller, a participant in the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education teacher-training program, has been teaching nine third-graders at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, a grade school in Pascagoula, Mississippi, serving about 100 black children from working-class families. She evacuated before the storm, and later found out that most of the school’s classrooms were destroyed, but the gym, library, cafeteria, office, and younger children’s area are fine. The school intends to clean up and resume classes in early October. Some classes likely will be in the library and in a nearby convent. Posted September 9, 2005. |
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