Posted September 24, 2004.
Hurricane Ivan Hits Few Libraries
Despite billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses throughout the eastern United States, Hurricane Ivan appears to have inflicted little havoc on libraries in mid-September, other than power outages and temporary closures.
A few instances of library damage were reported in local newspapers:
- Pools of rainwater from a leaking roof formed on the lobby floor of the Martin County Library System’s Blake Library in Stuart, Florida, and library staff discovered previously unknown damage from Hurricane Frances in a window. Water damage was reported in a small section of science-fiction books.
- In Mississippi, the Pascagoula Public Library reported $60,000 in unspecified damages, despite having just spent $1 million to prevent leaks and remove mold from its meeting rooms.
- The Escambia County Middle School library in Atmore, Alabama, suffered a damaged roof.
- The Georgiana (Ala.) High School library also reported roof damage, but a concrete overhang prevented any damage to the interior.
- Ohio University’s Alden Library in Athens had flooding on the top two floors from a leak in the roof. Stacks Manager Joyce Douglas said that staff helped put plastic over the shelving to minimize damage.
- A reading room operated by the Greater Canonsburg Public Library in the Cecil, Pennsylvania, municipal building suffered some flooding damage.
Posted September 24, 2004.