As some of you know, I worked for the Lee County Library System on Florida’s Gulf Coast for 17 of the 18 years I worked in Florida. I’ve been concerned about the libraries there. Their website finally has some answers. Although some won’t be interested, the photos of Lee County makes everything look like a disaster. Here’s the news as of last week.
We’ve missed you all!
We’re happy to announce the reopening of some library branches. The following locations are open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday:
- Bonita Springs Public Library
- Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library
- East County Regional Library
- North Fort Myers Public Library
- South County Regional Library
Services at these branches will include curbside holds pickup, Wi-Fi,
book drops, public computers, mobile printing and more.
Talking Books Library is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Branch Status Update
Having reopened six library branches, we wanted to give an update on our other locations as of Thursday, Oct. 13:
- Captiva Memorial Library seems to have sustained only limited damage but we still need to do a full evaluation.
- Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library is being used by a group assisting with post-hurricane efforts.
- Fort Myers Regional Library had some flooding and will require repairs before reopening.
- Johann Fust Community Library fared well but some water damage has been found and repairs are needed.
- Lakes Regional Library is serving as a Multi-Agency Resource Center/Disaster Recovery Center for the community. See below for more information.
- Northwest Regional Library is being considered for use as well.
- Pine Island Public Library took some damage which will require repairs before reopening.
- The Alva Community Center, which has been serving as our temporary Riverdale Branch Library location, is being evaluated by Lee County Parks and Recreation as it is one of their facilities.
Lakes Regional Library
The Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, is currently hosting one of Lee County’s Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) and FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center to aid residents impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Services are available seven days a week. MARC from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and FEMA from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Participating organizations include property insurance companies, local and state government offices (with the ability to replace driver’s licenses, birth certificates, etc.), wireless providers, mental healthcare providers and nonprofit organizations.
How wonderful to get good news for some of the libraries in that area.
I agree, Tracy. I’d been wondering what happened there.
Glad some of them are open or will be reopening soon. We use the Palm Beach County libraries a lot when we’re in Florida – we also used to go to the library in Key West when we were down there – so know they are important.
I’ve been in the Key West library, Jeff. It was so interesting when I moved to Florida because I was used to libraries that were close to 100 years old with a history. The Lee County Library System was only established in the 60s. It’s an excellent system.
It makes my heart hurt to see the damage done to these libraries. It might be because I was a clerk and then a Library Assistant for over 25 years. Twenty three years ago today (April 23,1989) we had a huge earthquake in the Bay Area (Loma Prieta Eartquake). I was at work packing the shipment when it hit. I remember standing in the backdoor and watching the SUV dancing, light poles in the parking lot swaying and a man walking through the security gates oblivious to it. We only had two books fall in the stacks. We were so lucky. Some of our other branches weren’t that lucky
I know, Lynn. Those of us who work/worked in libraries have a special connection to all of them. It does hurt to see any library damaged. You & your library were lucky! But, it does hurt.
Glad to hear the libraries are opening back up. In times of trouble, disaster or devastation, the library can be a beacon of hope or saving grace. The pictures are heartbreaking. My husband worked in fort meyers several years ago it has been devastating to see the aftermath of Ian.
I agree, Katherine, with everything you said here. It’s good to see the libraries reopening. And, the photos are heartbreaking.
I have not been able to stop thinking about the people of Florida since the hurricane struck. This sort of detailed report gives a clearer idea of how certain areas are coping than the broad news stories do. I’m glad to read about these steps toward recovery. Thanks for posting.
You’re welcome, Sandra. I know. I’ve been waiting for something like this.