We need information and photos to document what is happening in libraries in this post-storm time. Please forward to me photos and stories from your library that illustrate damage that has occurred, changes in service to accommodate community needs, and that show how community members are using your libraries (folks using internet, phone, etc.) to cope with life post-Irene.

It’s an important story in our state and we want to make sure people know about what’s happening in our libraries.

My thanks to all of you – especially to those of you who are working under very difficult circumstances.  My hat is off to you all!

I will send out our current assessment of public libraries later today.

Marty

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The Vermont Historical Society hopes this notification finds you safe and secure. The devastating effects of tropical storm Irene on our state, communities and neighbors are coming to light and we are all wondering where to even begin.Effective communication and collaboration will be imperative to setting in motion the important work that lay ahead.To that end, VHS will work diligently with the cultural heritage community throughout the state to:

• Assess the damage to local historical societies, museums, and heritage organizations
• Provide assistance and support through the Cultural Heritage and Art Recovery Team and approved professionals and services
• Keep the affected organizations up to date and informed of services and aid available

If your organization or an organization you know of in a neighboring community has been impacted, please contact Jackie Calder, Curator at(802) 479-8514 or  jackie.calder@state.vt.us or Lisa Evans, League of Local Historical Societies and Museums Manager at (802) 479-8522 or lisa.evans@state.vt.us.

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Vermont Library Community,

I have received phone calls and emails from many of you and I am heartened by the community spirit of the Vermont library community and am inspired by your offers to help.

DOL staff members have been on the phone yesterday and today contacting libraries statewide to assess damage and needs following flooding. I am happy to report that most libraries are in fine shape. Some report water in the basement and damp carpets, but they are doing well.  Libraries in some of the hardest-hit areas, including Brattleboro and Wilmington, are in fine shape, though there is major devastation in those towns.

The West Hartford Public Library sustained major damage. The children’s department on the lower level was completely submerged by flooding and is a total disaster. The main level of the library has at least 4” of mud. Library Director Aileen Gillette believes that 60% of the library collection has been destroyed. I plan to make a visit to Hartford tomorrow.

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Greetings,

The Department of Libraries is closed today but DOL staff members are calling public libraries in the southern/central part of the state to assess damage. In some cases phone or internet service is not available.

If you have information to report about the status of your library (public/school/academic), please send that info to me at the email address below. We are compiling a spreadsheet of information about libraries. I am working from home today and you can also reach me via my cell phone at: 802-318-7889. We expect to be back in our offices tomorrow. Call us if you need any assistance or information.

At this point we know about significant flooding /damage in just one public library: West Hartford Public Library

There may be others.

Information for libraries who have damage/flooding:

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I want to remind libraries that they can get free 24×7 assistance/guidance from the Northeast Document Conservation Center in the event that library collections are threatened or damaged by flooding related to Hurricane Irene.

Disaster Assistance Hotline: 978-470-1010

See below information from the NEDCC Webpage:http://www.nedcc.org/disaster/disaster.php

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