7/17/2023 new resources are listed here:
A reminder that there are two reporting forms to fill out:
- If your library property or collections have been damaged by flood, you should fill out the Vermont 2-1-1 form so that the state may receive maximum funding from FEMA for disaster relief. The form is available at: https://vermont211.org.
- The Department is asking all libraries to report whether or not they’ve had any flood damage: https://forms.office.com/g/Mu0vsPNahn. Please note that you can submit the form multiple times should your facility experience additional damage after your initial submission. You can see the reporting data on this map which we are regularly updating.
The State of Vermont launched a new website with flood resources, assistance, and referrals: www.vermont.gov/flood
(Note: this site contains many of the resources previously aggregated below. Below are more library-specific resources not available on the state site.)
VT Common Good, a program of the United Way of Northwest Vermont focused on uniting and strengthening Vermont mission-driven organizations, requests that that storm impacted libraries report to them using their 2023 Flooding Impact Questionnaire. Information provided will enable them to advocate on behalf of libraries in discussions with federal agencies.
FEMA has scheduled Public Assistance Applicant Briefings for towns, state agencies, and certain 501(c)3 Non-Profit organizations the week of July 31, 2023. We encourage directors and trustees of impacted libraries to attend at least one Applicant Briefing to learn how to apply for grants and loans for which they may be eligible through the FEMA Public Assistance program. Find Applicant Briefing event dates, locations, and times on Vermont League of Cities and Towns’ FEMA Public Assistance Program page.
Vermont Libraries Reporting Damage
(as of July 27, 2023)
- Ainsworth Public (Williamstown)
- Aldrich Free Library, York Branch (East Barre)
- Burnham Memorial Library (Colchester)
- Cabot Public Library - Not directly damaged, but located in a municipal building which suffered damage
- Calef Memorial Library (Washington)
- Chelsea Public Library - Not directly damaged, but located in a municipal building which suffered damage
- Craftsbury Public Library
- Durick Library at Saint Michael's College (Colchester) - Managing issues in the collection due to high humidity
- Ilsley Public Library (Middlebury)
- Jaquith Public Library (Marshfield) - Not directly damaged, but located in a municipal building which suffered damage
- Johnson Public Library
- Kellogg-Hubbard Library (Montpelier)
- Morrill Memorial and Harris Library (Strafford)
- Pope Memorial (Danville) - Electrical damage from thunderstorms
- Richmond Free Library - Electrical damage from thunderstorms
- Roxbury Free Library
- Shrewsbury Library
- South Londonderry Free Library
- Swanton Public, Varnum Memorial Library (Cambridge)
- Wilder Memorial Library (Weston)
Flood Mitigation Basics
After a flood, the top priority is making sure people are safe and remain safe. Do not go in a flooded building, even if the water has receded, until it is deemed safe by authorities. There could be hidden structural, electrical, or gas line damage.
After the building is determined to be safe, assessment of damage can begin.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides a two-page basic guide, The ABC’s of Returning to Flooded Buildings, that outlines important safety procedures and highlights tasks to accomplish.
For libraries, assessment falls into three categories: building and grounds; fixtures and furnishings; and collections.
Building and grounds includes assessing the driveway, parking lot, and exterior of the building from the roof to the ground, as well as entrances. Then, inside, assessing the condition of every room that is safely accessible.
Fixtures and furnishings include anything that is non-permanent in the building. Documenting damage using a fixed or video camera can be useful for insurance claims. It will also help you remember what was damaged.
Collections are a unique concern of libraries. Before re-entering, consider what collections are most valuable and irreplaceable, and prioritize those for immediate action. NEDCC (the Northeast Document Conservation Center) provides detailed information on conserving various types of material. They operate a preservation hotline with 24/7 response available to address questions at 855-245-8303.
For local assistance and support during business hours, you can call the Vermont Arts & Culture Disaster and Resilience Network for assistance at 802-622-4092 or visit vacdarn.org.
Funding Resources
VTLIB staff have received questions about potentially using Capital Project Funds to repair storm damage at affected libraries. With the Capital Project Fund application not opening until the fall at the earliest, you will have time to ascertain whether your capital project needs have shifted due to storm damage. We do urge you not to wait to apply for other available funding that might become available in response to the storm.
VTLIB has been in touch with the American Library Association (ALA) and their Vermont Chapter Councilor Jessamyn West about ALA’s Disaster Relief Fund. We will share updates about this here when we get them.
Community Resources
Agency of Commerce and Community Development's Storm Recovery Resource Center
Vermont Arts & Culture Disaster and Resilience Network
Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) are temporary locations where those in need can obtain meals and water from the Red Cross, cleaning kits, assistance finding recovery resources, mental health services, and basic medical services. *Please note this update: as of August 5, 2023 all Multi Agency Resource Center services have been transferred to Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) locations. You can find a list of Individual Assistance Registration Facilities on Vermont Emergency Management's website.
VT Common Good’s flood response and recovery information was created to help those working in the non-profit mission-driven sector in Vermont.
last updated 8/29/23, lt