CT Libraries Offer Extended Services After Power Outages
More hours, programs, Internet access; borrowing period extended
Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 03/18/2010
- Libraries serve as community hub during power outages
- They operate as information clearinghouse
- Public, media show their appreciation
Recent severe rainstorms in the Northeast serve as a reminder as to how public libraries step up when their communities suffer. Power outages in several Connecticut towns have spurred libraries to extend their hours and services.
As the Connecticut Post reported, the Greenwich Library on Monday received double its typical number of visitors. According to a message from director Carol Mahoney, the library has opened its Technology Training Center to offer more Interet access, is showing family movies, and is waiving all fines accrued from March 13-21. One snag: the volume of patrons is such that parking is difficult.
The library posted photos on its Flickr page.
The Ferguson Library in Stamford also received an influx of visitors, as did libraries in Norwalk and Westport, according to the Post.
Darien PL appreciated
The Darien Public Library (DPL) remained open until 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, director Louise Berry told LJ, and was appreciated for its actions. "The community response to our extra efforts has been tremendous," she said. "People have said that the library is a godsend, a refuge, and keep thanking the staff over and over again for their extra efforts."
DPL added programs during the emergency, including movie screenings for all ages, and on Tuesday, as a special request, showed "American Idol" on TV. The environmental education organization Soundwaters visited to offer a free program for kids, providing a touchtank of sea animals.
DPL’s efforts were recognized by the local news media. A television crew interviewed Berry and patrons on Wednesday, and the Darien Patch noted DPL’s extended services in a Good Samaritan feature.
New Canaan steps up
The New Canaan Library (NCL) also offered extended hours, director Alice Knapp told LJ. "On Monday, business increased by 100 percent, Tuesday, by 50 percent, and today we are about 20 percent higher," she said Wednesday. NCL posted a video on YouTube (embedded below) documenting the increased activity.
In addition to providing power, wifi, Internet access, and computers, NCL offered extra programming—movies, storytimes, crafts, and two programs from Soundwaters.
NCL also operated as a de-facto "information clearinghouse," said Knapp, for disseminating information to the public on available shelters, food pantries, available hot showers, and updates on closures and repair progress.
Knapp was quick to compliment her staff for their efforts. "This profession is the best, when I asked staff who could stay, there was always someone willing to go the extra mile," she said. "Those who couldn’t stay offered to help out in other ways. And please understand that most of the staff did not have power or running water."
