Some branches of the New York Public Library were closed due to power outages, but none reported any structural damage all but five (Soundview, Van Cortlandt, Hamilton Fish, Dongan Hills, and South Beach) will be open on November 5. “We’re staying true to our mission of getting information to people,” Queens COO Bridget Quinn-Carey told American Libraries. Queens staffers are also working with area shelters to bring children’s programs to families and offer assistance in filing FEMA claims. The library sent its bookmobile-complete with personnel trained in social services, disaster relief, and health care-to serve the information needs of Rockaway residents (see photos above). Water also damaged carpeting, books, computers, and furniture in the Broad Channel, Howard Beach, and Seaside branches. The Arverne and Peninsula branches were devastated by four feet of flooding and will be closed indefinitely to allow for major reconstruction and replacement of all materials. Five branches of Queens Library had serious flood damage. The worst library damage occurred on the Rockaway Peninsula, New York, just across Jamaica Bay from the JFK International Airport. Although some areas of central New Jersey were still without power six days after the storm, many public libraries in affected states were powered up and serving as community support centers for residents without electricity, internet access, or heat. Beyond temporary power outages and minor wind and water damage, libraries along the Atlantic coast weathered Superstorm Sandy fairly well, considering all the flooding and destruction inflicted on homes and businesses.
0 kommentar(er)
