Libraries Are Helping Asheville Residents Get Online After Helene

In a time of devastation and loss, some people in Asheville, North Carolina, turn to the public library for comfort and communication.

Cell services have created a communications blackout in much of the state, but Asheville’s downtown library offers something incredible: free wifi. (Click to share on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin)

We made it easy to email your state representatives to let them know that libraries are critical services.

Asheville was hit hard by Hurricane Helene.

The western part of North Carolina received record rainfall, which caused extreme flooding across the state’s roadways and damaged infrastructure.

Many folks are stranded as bridges are either impassable or destroyed.

The destruction of cell towers knocked many phones offline.

However, the library continues to serve the community and serves as a lifeline to the outside world.

It costs less than a cup of coffee to help keep library doors open. 

This is why libraries are so important.

Community support is vital in times of crisis and hardship. Libraries are often primary sources of trusted information and accessible shelter during community disasters such as storms and fires. In many communities, librarians are deputized to step in as first responders. 

For small rural communities, libraries are sometimes the sole source of emergency shelter for community members. During hurricane season, libraries can provide temporary housing and direct patrons to other disaster relief organizations. Recognizing the library’s potential, Florida State University approved a grant to focus on better disaster preparedness for rural libraries in Florida.

Help support libraries by emailing your state representatives to inform them that libraries are critical services.

Library services like temporary housing, free office space, and accessible information are in demand during a disaster. Many librarians are contractually required to help their communities during times of crisis. Disaster response can include everyday situations such wifi access or day shelter for community members, as well as making their buildings and resources available to first responders, relief workers, reporters, and essential personnel.