Fires in California Spread Concern

Wildfires raging throughout Southern California during the third week of October took their toll on libraries and campuses in the region. Some facilities were closed briefly; others faced diminished service and lost materials at patrons' homes and/or played a role as information providers to area residents.

Libraries were relatively physically unscathed by the fires, according to reports on the California State Library blog, though many local residents, including library staffers, had to evacuate. Paula Brown Peeling of the Chula Vista Public Library reported that about one in four library staffers experienced “a voluntary or mandatory evacuation of their homes.”

As of October 30, all but one branch of the San Diego County Library (SDCL) had reopened, though “Potrero will remain closed until further notice,” the library said. One eyewitness on the Calitics blog described the area as a wasteland, with looting having begun, although the town's library and post office remained standing. José Aponte, SDCL director, reported that “we have lost a monument sign in Portrero, the fence, and the xeriscape garden.” At the County of Los Angeles Public Library, the Malibu Library was closed briefly to patrons and used as a staging area for firefighting personnel.

Universities around San Diego canceled classes for the week. The University of California, Riverside, maintained operations but advised, “due to smoke and particulates in the air, you are encouraged to remain indoors and, when outdoors, avoid heavy exertion.”