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.
For more about the impact of Hurricane Ike in other states read the ALA article, Libraries Regroup, Reach Out in Wake of Hurricane Ike.