Libraries: Your Lifeline During Natural Disasters

There are few things in life more unpredictable than nature, especially during the springtime, which is known for its severe weather. Experiencing a natural disaster can be a significant source of disruption and uncertainty, particularly when you and your home are badly affected.

While many people’s first instinct is to get in touch with emergency services following a natural disaster, they often don’t realize that their public library is also a vital community hub that often steps up in the face of a community crisis. 

We’ll explore the crucial and often overlooked role libraries play in providing essential services and resources during and after a natural disaster and offer ways in which you can best utilize them. 

Spring's Volatility: Common Seasonal Disasters

Spring often brings renewal, but it can also be a peak season for certain natural hazards. While these can vary based on where you are situated in the country, many Americans experience the effects of natural disasters this time of year.

We can never truly know what Mother Nature is going to throw at us. However, there are some common spring natural disasters to be aware of. These include: 

• Floods. Flooding during spring is typically caused by heavy rain or, depending on which part of the country you’re in, a high level of snowmelt.
• Tornadoes. The mix of hot and cold weather during springtime creates favorable conditions for tornadoes. 
• Severe Thunderstorms. Thunderstorms during the springtime can be some of the worst throughout the year due to their high winds, hail, and evening lightning.
• Wildfires. If the area you live in is suddenly very hot and dry, there may be a risk for early-season wildfires during the spring. 

These weather events should be taken seriously, as they have the potential to impact you and your community. Depending on the severity of the weather event, you can potentially experience power outages, damage to your home, and subsequent displacement, as well as difficulty communicating with those around you via telephone or the internet. 

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Immediate Relief: Your Library as a Safe Haven

When a natural disaster disrupts daily life, immediate needs become critical. Your local library can often provide a high level of relief and help you stay safe during natural disasters.

Some of the immediate essential services that libraries may offer include:

• A safe shelter, providing you with a structurally sound building that is protected from the elements 
• A climate-controlled space, whether it be air conditioning during extreme heat or warmth during a cold snap
• Basic amenities such as access to working restrooms, and in some cases, running water if it is unavailable elsewhere 
• Sources of power to charge your essential devices, including phones or medical equipment, if your local grid goes down 
• A safe and calm space for you and members of your community to rest, which can be essential after experiencing the stress of a natural disaster

In addition to providing safety and comfort in the event of a natural disaster, your public library can also offer respite in the form of entertainment through books, magazines, and programs. 

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Powering Recovery: Your Library as a Resource Hub

Beyond immediate shelter, the path to recovery requires information, communication, and access to assistance. Libraries play a vital role here, too, as they are a treasure trove of important information that can help you bounce back from a natural disaster and get back to normal. 

Following a natural disaster, you should consider using your local library for: 

• Internet and Computer Access. Most libraries provide stable internet and access to computers, which can be an essential need following a natural disaster. You can make the most of this by using them to contact family, access news and information on the natural disaster, apply for aid (like FEMA), and even file your insurance claims. 
• Information Central. The purpose of a library is to provide information to the local community, and this applies during natural disasters, too. Librarians can help you find reliable information about local resources, shelters, aid organizations, and recovery procedures.
• Meeting Space. A library is a fantastic space for residents to come together following a natural disaster to discuss community response. It can also be used by agencies such as FEMA or the Red Cross to meet with affected residents and work out next steps. 
• Normalcy and Distraction. Libraries aim to continue to serve their communities, even after a natural disaster, so they can be a great place to find normalcy and distraction. Many offer regular programs (especially for children) that can provide a sense of routine and mental relief during stressful times.

Even if you haven’t been personally impacted by a natural disaster in your area, you can reach out to your library to see if they could use assistance for affected residents, such as donating, collecting, or distributing critical items like food, water, and clothing. 

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Libraries in Action: Real Stories of Resilience

These aren't just possibilities—libraries across the country have consistently stepped up when their communities needed them most. As highlighted in Library Journal, there are plenty of real-world examples of libraries stepping up during a natural disaster. 

Houston Public Library

Following the effects of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the Houston Public Library opened its doors to the community and pooled its resources together to access and distribute key information throughout the community. It also became a central place for local residents to access the computers, allowing them to apply for aid or simply contact family members. 

Perry County Library

After the string of natural disasters experienced by Kentucky in 2021–22, the Perry County Library also found itself as a key pillar of community support. Alongside providing its core library services, the library also installed FEMA and Social Security apps onto its computers, giving community members access to essential aid platforms. 

Los Angeles County Library

More recently, relief and assistance during the devastating Los Angeles wildfires were provided to the community by the local libraries. Across its several locations, the Los Angeles County Library has provided a high level of support, offering internet access, charging stations, and information to residents. Several events hosting FEMA representatives have also been held, helping locals to apply for aid and receive the assistance they need. Additionally, staff from the library district, in partnership with the local Department of Recreation and Parks, are offering day camps for children while their schools are closed. 

These are just some of the many examples of libraries stepping up for their communities in times of need. They are able to do this due to their adaptability and access to resources, as well as the dedication shown by library staff to assist those in crisis. 

The Best Time to Prepare for a Natural Disaster Is Now

Natural disasters can occur at any time, so it is important to be prepared. Make sure you and your family have a disaster preparedness plan in place, and remember that you can always reach out to your local library for support in the event of a natural disaster. 

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