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More info about hurricane problems in Mississippi. L. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kay M. Weiss Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2005 12:37 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Genealib] Fwd: [Iowalib] Mississippi libraries and HurricaneKatrina Hello -- List members might be interested in this information from the State Librarian of Iowa (who has given me permission to share it with you). How can we even imagine what it is like there? Kay Weiss Burlington Public Library Burlington, Iowa 52601 >Date: Sun, 04 Sep 2005 13:35:28 -0500 > > >From: "Mary Wegner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > >On Sunday afternoon, I spoke with Sharman Smith, current State >Librarian of Mississippi, who was Iowa's state librarian from 1992 - >2001. > >Sharman asked me to thank all of you for your concern for her and for >the residents of Mississippi. > >Sharman and her family are unhurt. Katrina brought sustained >90-miles-per-hour winds to Jackson, where the MS State Library is >located. Sharman lost a tree in her back yard, but the storm caused no >damage to her house. The new State Library of Mississippi building, >which is scheduled to open later this year, was also undamaged by the >storm. Sharman's home was without power for six days, and the MS State >Library hasn't had power or air conditioning since the storm. The >State Library plans to reopen on September 6, and Sharman hopes that >they will be able to bring their computers and email service back up at >that time. > >Sharman says that the damage south of Jackson in Mississippi is >terrible, almost incomprehensible, with the full extent of the >destruction not yet known. The storm surge along the Mississippi coast >was about 40 feet, and the destruction extends from the beach about 90 >miles inland. The Jackson newspaper described it: "From the air, the >stretch of coastline between Biloxi and Bay St. Louis resembles >scattered matchsticks, not the stately Southern homes and beach houses >that once dotted the landscape." > >Sharman said that the 40-foot storm surge from Katrina was much higher >than the 28-foot storm surge from Hurricane Camille in 1969, previously >the worst hurricane that Mississippi had seen. Many of the people who >didn't leave their homes before Katrina had survived Camille, and >didn't think that any storm could cause worse damage than Camille. > >At least 10 libraries are known to have been completely lost, and >Sharman still hasn't heard from some of the libraries. In addition to >the libraries which have been totally demolished, many others have >suffered extensive damage. Librarians and their extended families have >lost homes. There is a tremendous concern about the economy, and the >effects of so many people losing their jobs as well as their homes. > >Jackson, Mississippi has seen an influx of 200,000 or more people. >Numerous shelters have opened, and gas is being rationed. > >Sharman was touched to learn that so many members of the Iowa library >community have been concerned about her and about the Mississippi >libraries. The needs of those affected are so basic right now that >there has not yet been time to plan for a recovery and rebuilding >effort. > >I asked Sharman to let us know where concerned Iowans can send >donations for the Mississippi library community, and she will provide >us with that information within the next few days. It is simply too >soon after the damage to know what kinds of library materials and >supplies or volunteer efforts will be needed. As the needs become more >clearly identified, Sharman will let us know. I've heard from many of >you who are interested in sending materials, supplies or in >volunteering yourselves, and I ask for your patience as the Mississippi >libraries begin to cope with the extent of the damage they have >suffered and to consider what it will take to begin to recover. For >now, please keep the Mississippi librarians in your thoughts and >prayers. I hope to be able to post a message from Sharman herself >within the next few days. > > >Mary Wegner >State Librarian >State Library of Iowa >Des Moines, IA >515.281.4105 >[EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ genealib mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mailman.acomp.usf.edu/mailman/listinfo/genealib
