Americans for Libraries Council Announces $4 Million for Gulf Coast Libraries

Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 07/20/2007

Four Gulf Coast public library systems still struggling to revive in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 will receive a total of $4 million for repairs and rebuilding, thanks to awards from the Americans for Libraries Council, channeling support from the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. The sums: $1.6 million for New Orleans Public Library, LA; $1.2 million for Jefferson Parish Library, LA; $600,000 for Hancock County Library System, MS; and $600,000 for Harrison County Library System, MS.

The Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund has committed $5 million for libraries in the two states; the remaining $1 million will include $400,000 for collection-related activities and additional sums for expert assistance. Still, much work remains. In Jefferson Parish, six of 16 locations remain closed or lost; the system now has one bookmobile offering library service and plans to open two temporary facilities later this summer. The library has spent $4.6 million on clean-up activities and expects to spend another $10–$14 million on repairs, using some of the ALC-distributed funds. Beyond that, the library has a $12.5 million wish list for funds to improve collections and facilities.