By Gary Cooper
In the wake of one of the worst storms to hit New Jersey in modern history, New Jersey’s libraries are striving to meet the needs of their communities in this time of disaster while simultaneously working toward full restoration of their services. Unless flooded or without power, New Jersey libraries are opening their doors, offering access to computers and wireless Internet to New Jersey residents that need to conduct business, contact relatives, file insurance claims or just stay warm.
“In light of the disasters that have occurred over the past decade, the New Jersey State Library has been very attuned to the value of collaboration and preparation. We have pursued grant opportunities and partnerships to strengthen infrastructure and networks,” said Mary Chute, New Jersey State Librarian. “Our IT staff has been on duty throughout the storm and has worked to restore Internet access where possible and even update webpages on behalf of libraries upon request.”
Last year, following Hurricane Irene, and then the Halloween Snowstorm, New Jersey libraries served as important resources for their communities. Now in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey libraries are committed to providing residents with the same level of support, helping them address important concerns such as a place to work , or as a means to contact federal agencies or find specialists to deal with any damages that may have occurred to their home or belongings.
The New Jersey State Library, the New Jersey Library Association, and LibraryLinkNJ are coordinating support for the New Jersey library community. Links to these and other pertinent resources are found on the State Library’s website. http://www.njstatelib.org.
The New Jersey State Library Information Center itself did not sustain any substantial damage although the NJSL Talking Book and Braille Center, located on Stuyvesant Avenue, Trenton, is still without power.
About New Jersey State Library
The New Jersey State Library has three bureaus: the Library Development Bureau (LDB), the NJ State Library Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC) and the State Library Information Center (SLIC). The State Library connects people with information through its service to libraries, government and people with special needs. The State Library, which is affiliated with Thomas Edison State College, coordinates, promotes and funds the New Jersey Library Network, of which we are a proud member. Last year, attendance in New Jersey’s public libraries was well over 51 million with total circulation of almost 64 million, an increase of almost 6 million. For more information, visit www.njstatelib.org.

