The Storm is Here: Public Libraries' Role in Disaster Preparedness and Community Recovery

A national survey of public library directors and administrators was conducted in 2022 to assess the role of public libraries in community support following weather disasters. The results showed strong agreement (84%) among respondents that libraries have a critical service role in disaster response. Most respondents expressed concern about the impact of weather-related hazards on their communities. During and after disasters, libraries continued to offer regular services, with Wi-Fi access and computer stations being the most commonly provided. While the Stafford Act designates libraries as essential services and allows for relocation funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, only 36% of respondents were aware of this legislation. To fully leverage available support, libraries must enhance their preparedness prior to such events. Slightly over half of respondents (51%) indicated their libraries had an emergency preparedness plan. Among those with plans, most had a traditional emergency response plan (82%), while fewer had a continuity of operations plan (13%), and only one library had a community resilience plan. These findings highlight significant opportunities for increased preparation. Wider adoption of continuity of operations plans and greater visibility of these services would enhance libraries' effectiveness as community resources during weather disasters.