[OPLINLIST] Ohio Public Libraries Serve as Community Hubs in the Aftermath of Hurricane Ike

[Marsha McDevitt-Stredney]

Please excuse cross postings. 

When Hurricane Ike blew through Ohio on September 14, 2008 many homes
and businesses were damaged and thousands were left without power for
days.  Fortunately, most libraries were spared and as a result quickly
became hubs for community members seeking light, reading materials,
internet access, and power for charging cell phones & laptops. Many
libraries remained open for extra hours to better serve the increase in
visitors. 

"I always say that the best libraries can be found at the heart of any
community.  During crisis and tragedies, people turn to their
libraries," said State Librarian Jo Budler.  "We saw this happen after
9/11 - people naturally wanted to be with other people AND where they
could get reliable information.  When Hurricane Ike struck Ohio, again
we saw people flocking to their libraries, literally a haven in the
storm!  Marsha McDevitt-Stredney, Director of Marketing and
Communications, sent out a question on OPLIN listserv to find out how
Ohioans used their libraries when so many homes were without electricity
and the responses she received are gathered here."   

Elaine Willis, Public Relations Associate, Westlake Porter Public
Library responded, "One family (a mother and daughter, at least)
actually said they had hung out here for several nights because they had
no power at home, and this way the 6th grade daughter had more time for
homework." 

"We also had hundreds of customers checking out books, magazines, as
well as browsing newspapers and so forth in the building because much of
Delaware County was without power longer than the library was without
power," said Mary Jane Santos, Director Delaware County District
Library. "Since schools were canceled Monday and Tuesday, parents,
teens, school-aged children and preschoolers also made good use of the
library facility and material." 

To download a PDF compilation of their responses click here to download
the file. <http://www.library.ohio.gov/IkeandOhiolibraries.pdf> 

For more about the impact of Hurricane Ike in other states read the ALA
article, Libraries Regroup, Reach Out in Wake of Hurricane Ike
<http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2008/september2
008/ikedamage.cfm> . 

To read State Library of Ohio press releases go to:  
http://www.library.ohio.gov/new.html
<http://www.library.ohio.gov/new.html> 

For more information contact:

Marsha McDevitt-Stredney

Director, Marketing and Communications 

274 E. 1st Avenue   

Columbus, OH 43201

Tel: 614-644-6875

www.library.ohio.gov <http://www.library.ohio.gov/> 

"The State Library of Ohio provides services and resources to assist
state government and libraries in providing the best service to all."

 

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