Hurricane Michael: Disaster Relief

UPDATE: Over $6,000 raised and still growing! FLA will release a Recovery Assistance Application shortly so libraries affected may apply for relief money.

We know you're eager to help. FLA has initiated a Disaster Relief Fund to assist libraries damaged by Hurricane Michael. As we move through the stages of recovery, we will then assess if libraries are in need of other physical items. Simply click the link below to donate now:

DISASTER RELIEF FUND
You are also welcome to send a donation by check to:

Florida Library Association
Attn: Disaster Relief Fund
541 E. Tennessee Street, Ste 103
Tallahassee, FL 32308


The Friends of the Bay County Libraries is also accepting donations for library staff affected by the storm. If you would like to contribute, go to: http://www.friendsofbaycounty.org/.
Donations to FLA (a 501c3 organization) are deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services registration number CH22102. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.


DLIS Compiling Information from Libraries in Region

The Florida Department of State, Division of Library & Information Services (DLIS) is hard at work compiling information from each public library that lay in the storm's path. They have established communication with a number of libraries in the region and will compile information related to the status of operations and extent of damage. Several libraries received some type of damage to the building and many are still without power and internet. From initial reports, at least one has been destroyed in Bay County.

Fortunately, we are also hearing a few good reports from area libraries, sharing that they suffered only minor damage as a result of the hurricane and many are back in operation. Residents, however, of these areas are still enduring without power and water, and communications channels are spotty at best. Keep the staff of these areas in your thoughts as they work to provide the best services to patrons while they themselves go without power at home.

DLIS offers an array of information related to Disaster Recovery. Visit their website for more: DLIS DISASTER RECOVERY PAGE