Anonymous Patron writes “As a result of Hurricane Charley, many of Florida’s library staff and communities are faced with the challenge of putting their lives and facilities back together. We have been in touch with many individuals to offer assistance, and will continue to do so. This message provides information regarding records recovery and the information we have been able to obtain about the status of the library communities in the affected areas.
.To assist with the challenge of recovering records and library materials, the State Library and Archives of Florida has set up a Web site to provide information about disaster recovery methods. The site can be accessed at http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/disasterrecovery/“
Anonymous Patron writes “As a result of Hurricane Charley, many of Florida’s library staff and communities are faced with the challenge of putting their lives and facilities back together. We have been in touch with many individuals to offer assistance, and will continue to do so. This message provides information regarding records recovery and the information we have been able to obtain about the status of the library communities in the affected areas.
.To assist with the challenge of recovering records and library materials, the State Library and Archives of Florida has set up a Web site to provide information about disaster recovery methods. The site can be accessed at http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/disasterrecovery/“From what we have learned from our contacts around the state, it appears that all library staff are accounted for with no injuries. Many library buildings survived the storm with minor damages and are reopening as electrical and telephone services are slowly being restored. Following is the most current information we have regarding library staff and libraries where damage was involved:
· The home of Diana Hunt, the Hardee County Library Director, was destroyed. She is staying in Lakeland.
· Tina Peak, Lake Wales Library Director, has had the ceiling of her house collapse after losing ¾ of the shingles on her roof.
· Gladys Roberts’ home was damaged by two trees. She is the Coordinator of the Polk County Library Cooperative.
· Polk County’s delivery van driver lost the roof to his mobile home in Frostproof.
· Punta Gorda Library in Charlotte County has some damage with broken windows.
· Port Charlotte Public Library in Charlotte County was closed for renovation, but may have lost their air conditioning unit. It is currently serving as a community center with Internet access.
· Hardee County Public Library sustained roof damage.
· The Talking Books Library in the Lee County Library System has significant roof damage.
· The Southwest Branch of the Orange County Library District has roof damage and is closed. Some of the collection and computers were lost.
· The roof was blown off the headquarters of the Osceola County Library System.
· Dundee Public Library had roof, window and water damage.
· Lake Wales Library in Polk County has window and water damage.
· Winter Haven Library in Polk County had some water damage, but is open.
Additional information about specific libraries can also be found on the FLA Listserv.
Barbara Stites is helping to coordinate a Library Disaster Relief Fund through the Southwest Florida Library Network. Contributions will be used to assist library staff throughout Southwest Florida purchase generator fuel, food, water, house repairs, temporary shelter, medical needs and other essentials. These funds will also be available to assist libraries with emergency cleanup and restoration efforts.
To send contributions, makes checks payable to SWFLN and note that it is for the “Library Disaster Fund.” Mail to:
Southwest Florida Library Network
Library Disaster Relief Fund
12751 Westlinks Drive
Building III, Unit 7
Fort Myers, FL 33913
For more information, contact Barbara Stites at (239) 225-4225 or [email protected], or visit http://www.swfln.org.
Also, Mary Myers, director of Heartland Public Library Cooperative would like to know if any libraries would be willing to “share” bookmobiles so that they can distribute books to people who desperately want them. If you can help, please contact her at [email protected].
No information is currently available regarding Ft. Myers Beach and Sanibel Libraries. Please continue to share with us any information you may have regarding libraries and their staffs. We will keep you informed about their status. If you have information to share, or if you have any questions, please contact Loretta Flowers at (850) 245-6636 or [email protected]
Recent Comments