Late last month, Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented – and in some areas, unexpected – devastation. At press time, places in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, upstate South Carolina, and Western North Carolina remain without power, potable water, medicines and more as linepersons and other relief workers organize search and rescues, restore electricity, distribute aid, and more. Even during this time, libraries and library workers remain beacons to communities in distress – from citizens gathering around library buildings to use wi-fi, to library workers offering resources and spaces for aid groups.
This post shares resources and locations for offering support and aid, and will be updated as items are found or shared. If you come across this post and don’t see a verified resource listed, please add it in the comments. Thank you for supporting library workers and communities during this time – and please remember library workers’ efforts when considering funding in your municipalities.
- American Library Association Disaster Relief Fund (see their Hurricane Helene Statement)
- Florida Library Association’s Disaster Recovery Resources
- FEMA Centers in the Tampa Bay (Florida) area
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Lexington County (South Carolina) Resources for Disaster Recovery (includes Frequently Asked Questions)
- North Carolina Library Association
P.S. – soon after the release of this post, Hurricane Milton barreled towards Florida. I’ll add resources connected to this event as I see them as well. Thank you!