Rebuilding Plans Proceed for Gulf Coast PLs

-- Library Journal, 12/14/2006

Representatives from 14 Louisiana and Mississippi public libraries affected last year by Hurricane Katrina convened November 28-30 in Baton Rouge, LA, to develop goals for rebuilding and to "speak as one voice" in seeking funds and support. Billed as "Building Libraries, Building Community: A Summit on the Role of Public Libraries in Re-creating Community on the Gulf Coast," the meeting was "full of energy and optimism and plans for moving forward," said SOLINET Executive Director Kate Nevins. Speakers addressed the concepts of libraries as agents of community transformation while breakout sessions dealt with design principles and rebuilding goals.

Americans for Libraries Council's Diantha Schull noted that "our challenge is how to turn a disaster into a dividend," while Nevins admitted the effort "won't be easy or fast, but it will be worth doing." When Jefferson Parish Library director Lon Dickerson asked "whether there were any models we can use," American Library Association president Leslie Burger responded, "You all are making the models" in a unique, unprecedented situation. In January, summit results, in the form of common goals, will be released. During the spring, SOLINET will offer practical workshops on library building and planning. The consortium will begin to administer Gates Foundation grants, averaging $75,000, to develop rebuilding plans. In the meantime, libraries have a choice of two standardized types of temporary libraries. Four have chosen tech-enhanced bookmobiles; 18 opted for temporary facilities. The latter choice is offered in two sizes with a variety of floor plans.