Hundreds of America’s Libraries Were Destroyed or Damaged in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Libraries need help so schools and communities can re-build.

Parkside School Library, Alabama

Brock Elementary School Library, Louisiana

Lakeshore Public Library, Louisiana

Louisiana Library Network Staff Staff Assisting Evacuees

Hancock Library System, Bay Saint Louis, MS

Biloxi Branch Library, MS

Biloxi Public Library, MS

Book Destroyed by Post-Hurricane Mold, MS

Bay Saint Louis Headquarters of the Hancock County Library System (MS)

Historic Photos destroyed by Katrina (MS)

Pass Christian Library, MS

Pearlington (MS) Public Library being used as a shelter for evacuees

Waveland Public Library (MS)

Lamar University Library (TX)

Nacogdoches (TX) Public Library Serves Evacuees

Evacuees visit the Houston (TX) Public Library’s temporary branch at the George R. Brown Convention Center

Houston (TX) Public Library’s temporary branch at the George R. Brown Convention Center

Gulfport Library, Biloxi, MS

Libraries are Essential Community Organizations Libraries and librarians have been at the heart of providing support to the hurricane victims. In the dire days and weeks following the hurricanes, libraries adapted to serve evacuees. They stayed open late, added more resources, and went mobile to help get evacuees much-needed information. Thousands of evacuees used library computers to identify government assistance programs and to locate family and friends. Evacuees continue to use libraries in order to apply for driver’s licenses, to follow-up on FEMA and other key government reports, and to find jobs and financial assistance.

Gulf Area libraries need the funds to re-build so they can continue to serve America’s schools and communities. Please remember libraries as you make decisions about allocating funds for Katrina and Rita victims. Contact: Melanie Anderson American Library Association Washington Office or