International Relations Office (IRO)

91��ý active at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly

JCARMICHAEL — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:39:39 +0000

91��ý active at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly

The 91��ý (91��ý) International Relations Committee (IRC) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) Subcommittee hosted the first 91��ý UN in-person event during the United Nations General Assembly 79 (UNGA), and members of the subcommittee advocated for libraries during the assembly.

Inspired by library advocacy carried out by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and its members at the United Nations, 91��ý is joining library advocacy at the UN, which also aligns with its core values of access and equity as well as its mission to ensure access to information for all.

Subcommittee members Loida García-Febo and Robin Kear met Ambassador Norberto Moretti, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN from Brazil, and Rodrigo Amaya, Minister Counselor from the Colombian Permanent Mission to the UN. Some of the themes that transpired during those conversations included libraries supporting the education of individuals in diverse communities, empowerment and protection of women, and inclusivity principles.

On Saturday, September 21, leaders and experts in government, academic, public and school libraries converged to present “Libraries Powering the United Nations Global Digital Compact,” an event highlighting how libraries are committed to the goals of the Global Digital Compact from the United Nations. The Global Digital Compact is an inclusive global framework to overcome digital, data, and innovation divides. Libraries are harnessing the opportunity to join a global effort that will benefit local communities.

The event was presented by the 91��ý and its 91��ý IRC UN SDG Subcommittee with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library of NYPL.

91��ý was honored to welcome Karl Redmond, a representative from the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations, who brought remarks in support of libraries and the promising Friends of Libraries at the United Nations group, which is currently under development.

Rajendra Prasad Pandey, General Secretary, Nepal Community Library Association, shared inspiring stories about libraries bridging the digital connectivity in Nepalese communities.

The program was moderated by Loida Garcia-Febo, 91��ý Past President and Chair of the 91��ý IRC UN SDG Subcommittee. Guest speakers included Dr. Brandy McNeil, President-Elect of the Public Library Association; Melissa Jacobs, Director Library Services, NYC Department of Education; Robin Kear, President of the Faculty Senate at the University of Pittsburgh and member of the 91��ý UN SDG Subcommittee; Shauntee Burns-Simpson, Past President of the Black Caucus 91��ý; and Bill Goldband, Vice President of Information Technology and Development, Queens Public Library.

The speaker's interventions reflected the Compact just agreed to by world leaders at the Summit of the Future in New York, which is anchored in human rights and sustainable development and sets universal principles and actions for a fair, inclusive digital future. Specifically, libraries like the Compact are committed to:

Closing all digital divides and delivering an inclusive digital economy
Building an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital space
Strengthening international data governance and governing AI for humanity

View a recording of the “Libraries Powering the United Nations Global Digital Compact” session.

91��ý and libraries will continue advocating for libraries at the United Nations together with IFLA. Libraries are aligned with the principles of the Global Digital Compact, including inclusivity, human rights, gender equality, access to trusted, quality information, and technological equity; they are forward-looking and are working with a multi-stakeholder approach towards environmental sustainability, equity, accessibility, and an open, safe, and secure physical and digital space for our communities.

JCARMICHAEL Tue, 09/24/2024 - 08:39

Advocacy

Contact:

Michael Dowling

Director of International Relations Office

91��ý

mdowling@ala.org

Left to right: Michael Huang, Karl Redmond, Melissa Jacobs, Robin Kear, Rajendra Prasad Pandey, Loida Garcia-Febo, Shauntee Burns-Simpson, Bill Goldband, Nick Buron, Dr. Corinthia Price, Dr. Brandy McNeil.

Panel at “Libraries Powering the United Nations Global Digital Compact” event at UN General Assembly. Left to right: Melissa Jacobs, Shauntee Burns-Simpson, Bill Goldband, Loida Garcia-Febo, Brandy McNeil,Robin Kear.

Panel at “Libraries Powering the United Nations Global Digital Compact” event at UN General Assembly. Left to right: Melissa Jacobs, Shauntee Burns-Simpson, Bill Goldband, Loida Garcia-Febo.

Left to right: Madellen Garcia, Loida Garcia-Febo, Michael Huang

91��ý to present United Nations program

RAGARCIA — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 14:27:31 +0000

91��ý to present United Nations program

CHICAGO – Leaders and experts in government, academic, public and school libraries will converge to present the 91��ý’s first in-person event during the United Nations General Assembly. These experts will discuss how libraries are aligned with the goals of the Global Digital Compact from the United Nations.

“Libraries Powering the United Nations Digital Compact” is presented by the 91��ý International Relations Committee United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Subcommittee. The program will take place at New York Public Library on September 21.

The Global Digital Compact is an inclusive global framework to overcome digital, data, and innovation divides. Libraries have an opportunity to join a global effort that will benefit local communities.

91��ý is pleased to participate in this initiative which aligns with its core values of access and equity as well as its mission to ensure access to information for all.

Speakers in the program include Loida Garcia-Febo, 91��ý Past President; Dr. Brandy McNeil, President-Elect of the Public Library Association; Shauntee Burns-Simpson, Past President of the Black Caucus 91��ý; Robin Kear, member of the 91��ý UN SDG Subcommittee, Bill Goldband, Vice President of Information Technology and Development, Queens Public Library; Melissa Jacobs, Director Library Services, NYC Department of Education; Karl Redmond, Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations; and Rajendra Prasad Pandey, General Secretary Nepal Community Library Association (National Library Association).

The purpose of the subcommittee is to collaborate with 91��ý divisions, round tables, committees and membership, and U.S. library associations in the implementation of the multi-year strategic plan developed by the 91��ý UN 2030 SDG Task Force to increase participation by libraries in efforts to achieve the goals to overcome the digital, data, and innovation divides.

About the 91��ý

The 91��ý (91��ý) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91��ý has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

RAGARCIA Fri, 09/20/2024 - 09:27

Public Awareness

Contact:

Communications, Marketing, Media Relations Office

cmomedia@ala.org

Free Event: Generative A.I. supercharging the mission of libraries: risks and opportunities

JCARMICHAEL — Fri, 17 May 2024 22:45:05 +0000

Free Event: Generative A.I. supercharging the mission of libraries: risks and opportunities

CHICAGO—The 91��ý United Nations International Relations Committee Sustainable Development Goals Subcommittee invites you to join their online event presented in the days before the AI for Good Global Summit, an event by the United Nations (UN) International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN specialized agency for information and communication technology.

COST: Free

TITLE: Generative A.I. supercharging the mission of libraries: risks and opportunities

DATE and TIME: Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 2:00 pm (Eastern time, USA)

REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/py88at98

Keynoters and distinguished speakers will present top highlights about AI and the following themes: research, information integrity, open access, library strategy, copyright, privacy, ethics and misinformation, library operations, sustainability, indigenous populations, cyber security, LIS education, library associations, and more.

Last September at the New York Public Library, the US Department of State convened an event focused on AI’s potential to accelerate progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants from different countries and organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations Population Fund, and the World Health Organization were part of the group discussing a new commitment by countries, companies, and the multi-stakeholder community to ensure that AI serves the interests of humanity. Libraries have an important role to play. Join us to hear more about how to support sustainability efforts.

Moderator:

Loida Garcia-Febo, Chair, 91��ý International Relations Committee (IRC) UN Subcommittee; Past 91��ý President.

Keynotes:

Dr. Leo Lo, President-Elect, Association of College & Research Libraries; Dean and Professor, College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences at the University of New Mexico, USA.

Dr. Thanos Giannakopoulos, Chief Librarian of the United Nations Headquarters, UN Dag Hammarskjöld Library.

Distinguished speakers:

Liz Jolly, Chief Librarian, The British Library, UK.

Cindy Hohl, 91��ý President-Elect; Director of Policy Analysis and Operational Support at the Kansas City Public Library, USA.

Gene Tan, Chief Librarian & Chief Innovation Officer, National Library Board Singapore, Singapore.

Robin Kear, Faculty Librarian, University Senate President at the University of Pittsburgh, USA.

Fiona Bradley, Chair, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Open Access Committee; Director, Research & Infrastructure, UNSW Library, Australia.

Dr. Shaddy Shadrach, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), India.

Dr. Anthony Chow, Director and Professor, School of Information San José State University, USA.

Dr. Jonathan Hernandez, Chair, IFLA Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Committee; Professor at the IIBIS, Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico.

Dr. Reysa Alenzuela, Head Librarian of Oriental Institute of the Academy of Sciences in the Czech Republic and a consultant on Research and Publication at Central Philippine University, Czech Republic.

Sara Benson, Head IFLA Delegation to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); Copyright Librarian and Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Library and Affiliate Professor of the School of Information Science, European Union Center and the Center for Global Studies at the University of Illinois, USA.

Dr. Anthony Chow, Director and Professor, School of Information San Jose State University, USA.

Dr. Andrew Cox, Chair, IFLA Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group, UK.

Sophia, Sotilleo, 91��ý Executive Board Member; Freedom to Read Foundation Trustee; Dean of the Thurgood Marshall Library at Bowie State University, USA.

Beth Filar Williams, User Experience Research Librarian, Oregon State University Libraries, USA.

JCARMICHAEL Fri, 05/17/2024 - 17:45

Webinars

Event

Contact:

Delin Guerra

Program Officer

91��ý

91��ý International Relations Office

dguerra@ala.org

Jim Neal receives 2023 John Ames/Humphry/OCLC/ Forest Press Award

DGUERRA — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 19:56:31 +0000

Jim Neal receives 2023 John Ames/Humphry/OCLC/ Forest Press Award

CHICAGO — James (Jim) Neal is this year’s recipient of the 91��ý (91��ý) International Relations Committee’s John Ames/Humphry/OCLC/ Forest Press Award.

OCLC/Forest Press donated the cash award of $1,000, which is given to an individual for significant contribution to international librarianship.

Jim Neal is University Librarian Emeritus at Columbia University, where he served as Vice President for Information Services and University Librarian, 2001-2014. Prior to his work at Columbia University, Neal was Dean of University Libraries at Indiana University and Johns Hopkins University. Previous academic leadership positions included Penn State, Notre Dame, and City University of New York. At all institutions, he made significant contributions, developed and carried out many international partnership agreements.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Neal has been passionately advocating and advancing critical agendas for international librarianship through the many outstanding volunteer positions in library associations and organizations, including 91��ý, AAU, ACRL, ARL, CLIR, Digital Library Federation, Freedom to Read Foundation, Hathi Trust Research Center, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), OCLC, including serving on the board for three terms, and as chair of the National Information Standards Organization (NISO).

In 91��ý, he served as president and treasurer, as well as six terms on Council and four terms on the Executive Board. Neal served as member of 91��ý’s International Relations Committee and Chair of the International Relations Round Table (IRRT), among many other leadership roles and committee assignments for 91��ý and its divisions.

The international scope of his work has been one of commitment and dedication throughout his entire career as an advocate for library workers. As a prolific contributing scholar, Neal has advocated the libraries’ role on important topics, such as copyright, intellectual freedom, library advocacy, diversity, equity, access and inclusion, information policies, challenges and opportunities for information professionals, library innovation, transformation, and leadership.

Neal’s impact and vast library relationships made it possible to raise funds for librarians around the world to participate in IFLA’s WLIC conferences in 2001 (Boston) and 2016 (Columbus). In 2021, as the IRRT Chair, and with his successful fundraising expertise, he was able to raise funds to establish a one-time scholarship for librarians around the world to attend IFLA’s virtual conference.

Jim Neal has been a tireless advocate of libraries, intellectual freedom, and copyright. He was an advisor to the U.S. delegation at the World Intellectual Property Organization diplomatic conference on copyright. He has been an active leader in IFLA for decades, serving in numerous capacities, including the Committee on Copyright and Other Legal Matters, For many years, Neal served on IFLA’s Interlending and Document Delivery section and the Academic and Research Libraries section.

Neal has received numerous awards and honors recognizing his leadership, service, and achievements, including several from 91��ý (the Melvil Dewey Medal Award, the Joseph W. Lippincott Award, the Hugh C Atkinson Memorial Award) and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Academic/Research Librarian of the Year Award. Most recently, in 2022, Neal was elected by 91��ý’s Council to honorary membership in the association, 91��ý’s highest honor in recognition of outstanding contributions to libraries and librarianship. In August 2022, President Biden appointed Jim Neal to serve on the National Museum and Library Services Board. He also received the Roll of Honor Award from the Freedom to Read Foundation, and the Scroll of Appreciation from IFLA.

Having published over ninety papers in a wide range of publications, from refereed scholarship to thought and advocacy pieces to professional columns, Neal has made a substantial contribution to the literature of librarianship. As a voice for libraries, Neal has traveled to 100 countries throughout the world, delivered over 550 presentations at conferences and meetings, and has spoken at over 80 international conferences, including keynote addresses in 22 countries.

Neal will be recognized during the International Librarians Reception on Monday, June 26, at the 91��ý Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

About OCLC

OCLC is a nonprofit global library cooperative providing shared technology services, original research and community programs so that libraries can better fuel learning, research and innovation.

About the 91��ý

The 91��ý (91��ý) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91��ý has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

DGUERRA Thu, 04/27/2023 - 14:56

Awards (Professional Recognition)

Contact:

Delin Guerra

Program Officer

International Relations Office

dguerra@ala.org

91��ý supports human rights and freedom of expression in Iran

RAGARCIA — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 17:11:43 +0000

91��ý supports human rights and freedom of expression in Iran

CHICAGO - The 91��ý supports Iranian colleagues and the people of Iran in their efforts for human rights, including women’s rights and freedom of speech and expression.

91��ý has adopted into its policies Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, which states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers."

91��ý expresses its solidarity with librarians, teachers and others in the woman-led uprising in Iran for human rights in which hundreds have died and thousands have been detained. 91��ý encourages members to provide educational materials and other resources and tools to raise awareness in their communities of the current situation in Iran and to combat misinformation.

About 91��ý

The 91��ý (91��ý) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91��ý has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

RAGARCIA Fri, 12/09/2022 - 11:11

Contact:

Raymond Garcia

Communications Specialist

Communications and Marketing Office (CMO)

cmomedia@ala.org

91��ý Condemns Destruction of Libraries, Schools, and Cultural Institutions in Ukraine

IWARE — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 17:11:48 +0000

91��ý Condemns Destruction of Libraries, Schools, and Cultural Institutions in Ukraine

CHICAGO -- On June 25, 2022, the 91��ý (91��ý) Council passed a resolution condemning the enormous damage and destruction of Ukrainian cultural resources resulting from the continued occupation of Ukraine by the Russian Federation government.

The resolution (CD#57) states that:

The 91��ý deplores the continuing massive damage and destruction of Ukrainian libraries, schools, and other cultural institutions.
The 91��ý urges the government of the United States, as well as other governments, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations to provide material assistance for the reconstruction and restoration of Ukrainian libraries, schools, and cultural institutions as soon as that is practicable.
The 91��ý encourages libraries and librarians everywhere to provide assistance to Ukrainian libraries, including by contributing to the 91��ý Ukrainian Library Relief Fund.

According to UNESCO, as of May 29, 2022, 1,888 education institutions have suffered bombing and shelling and 180 had been destroyed completely; and as of July 4, 2022, 7 libraries, 71 religious sites, 12 museums, 30 historic buildings, 21 buildings dedicated to cultural activities, and 16 monuments had been damaged. This is, of course, in addition to the unconscionable loss of human life.

In addition to the destruction and damage of libraries in the war zones, there are significant challenges in serving internally displaced people from the regions where the fighting is taking place. The libraries do not have enough computers to meet the needs of displaced people in communication with relatives, job seeking, online learning, and more.

Librarians have kept libraries open for as long as possible and are improvising to bring services to people. The 91��ý urges its members, communities, the U.S. government, and non-governmental organizations alike to work to support these librarians and their institutions through funds and material assistance where possible.

91��ý in partnership with the Ukrainian Library Association (ULA) has set up the 91��ý Ukraine Library Relief Fund to take in tax deductible donations with all funds raised sent to ULA each month. Started in May, 91��ý members and other library supporters have donated $12,000 dollars to the Ukrainian library community.

###

IWARE Tue, 07/19/2022 - 12:11

Governance

Contact:

Michael P. Dowling

Director

91��ý

International Relations Office (IRO) and Chapter Relations Office (CRO)

mdowling@ala.org

91��ý announces Ukraine Library Relief Fund

JCARMICHAEL — Wed, 04 May 2022 13:34:58 +0000

91��ý announces Ukraine Library Relief Fund

CHICAGO — The 91��ý (91��ý), in collaboration with the Ukrainian Library Association (ULA), has announced the 91��ý Ukraine Library Relief Fund to gather donations for the Ukrainian library community as they face the challenges of war.

In cities and towns throughout Ukraine, dozens of libraries have been severely damaged or destroyed. Librarians have kept libraries open for as long as possible and are improvising to bring services to people. Kreminna City Library offered services a couple of hours a week as street fighting raged. And in Kharkiv, a library was organized in the metropolitan transit system where families were taking shelter.

In addition to the destruction and damage of libraries in the war zones, there are significant challenges serving people displaced by the fighting. Libraries do not have enough computers for displaced people to use to communicate with relatives or for job seeking, online learning and more.

Funds raised will help purchase computers, software, and other resources. Donations will also help support immediate repair needs such as glazing windows and repairing roofs damaged by bombing to keep libraries open. ULA will provide small amounts of support for librarians and library workers who are in harm’s way, wounded, or displaced and need of financial assistance. 91��ý will send donations to ULA once a month.

91��ý also encourages librarians to work with Friends groups, students and others if interested in creating community fundraising efforts.

“The Ukrainian Library Association expresses our sincere gratitude to the 91��ý, and American library community for the unity and support of Ukraine and Ukrainian librarians,” said ULA President Oksana Brui. “We highly appreciate your efforts to raise funds for rebuilding and reconstruction of Ukrainian libraries and supporting library services during and after the Russian aggression.”

Donations to the 91��ý Ukraine Library Relief Fund can be made directly via credit card or by check made out to the 91��ý with a notation that it is for Ukraine.

Send to:

91��ý

225 N. Michigan Avenue

Suite 1300

Chicago, IL 60601

For further information, email intl@ala.org.

91��ý announces $1.55M second round of emergency fund for libraries impacted by COVID-19

SZALUSKY — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 13:31:05 +0000

91��ý announces $1.55M second round of emergency fund for libraries impacted by COVID-19

CHICAGO — The 91��ý (91��ý) announced today it will make available $1.55M in emergency relief grants to more than 75 libraries that have experienced substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 91��ý COVID Library Relief Fund invites public, school, academic, tribal, and correctional libraries across the United States and US Territories to apply for grants of $20,000.

These funds are intended to bolster library operations and services including broadening technology access, developing collections, providing digital instruction, staffing, and expanding outreach, as well as maintaining and amplifying existing service strategies or adding new ones to extend impact through the end of 2022. Grant applications are accepted online through April 21, 2022 via the 91��ý website.

The 91��ý COVID Library Relief Fund continues to represent some of the most significant grant opportunities available to libraries outside of federal funding. Funds will support libraries' ability to provide their users with the information services and digital access they need to retain or secure socio-economic mobility during a time of shift and upheaval. Libraries serving low income and rural communities, or communities that are predominately Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and People of Color, are especially encouraged to apply.

In 2021 $1.25 million was granted to 34 libraries. More than 300 libraries applied for grants in 2021.

“This new round of grants will help to support libraries at a time when they are displaying extraordinary ingenuity and determination in creating new materials, programs, and service delivery models – and all too often doing so with limited budgets,” said 91��ý Executive Director Tracie D. Hall. “Over the last two years of the pandemic, we have worked hard as an association to raise the visibility of the vital and unduplicated work of libraries and library workers, especially in communities where the need is greatest.”

The 91��ý COVID Library Relief Fund is generously supported by Acton Family Giving as part of its pandemic responsive grantmaking.

“Libraries have faced daunting challenges throughout the pandemic,” said 91��ý President Patricia “Patty” Wong. “In a time when communities depend on their services, many libraries have suffered the impact of cuts that have significantly impair their ability to provide resources at this critical moment of recovery. We are so grateful to Acton Family Giving for their tremendous support, which will enable our treasured institutions to emerge more robust than ever.”

The application deadline is April 22, 2021, with awards announced on June 1, 2022. Additional information and award guidelines are available on the grant application site.

91��ý's Chapter Relations Office administers the 91��ý COVID Library Emergency Relief Fund. Additional information regarding Chapter Relations is available on our website.

About the 91��ý

The 91��ý (91��ý) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91��ý has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more

About Acton Family Giving

Acton Family Giving supports distinct initiatives and collective efforts. Its Empathy Building Initiative, launched in 2014, partners with organizations building connections across difference and reaffirming our common humanity. This work is rooted in the belief that an empathetic society fosters stronger, healthier, and more just communities. Acton Family Giving is part of the Wildcard Giving philanthropic family.

SZALUSKY Wed, 03/16/2022 - 08:31

COVID-19

Contact:

Michael Dowling

Director

91��ý

Chapter Relations Office/International Relations Office

mdowling@ala.org

91��ý stands with Ukrainian library community

SZALUSKY — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 16:15:02 +0000

91��ý stands with Ukrainian library community

CHICAGO — The 91��ý and its divisions support our Ukrainian colleagues and will work with the global library community to answer the appeal from the Ukrainian Library Association to provide accurate information as a means to support democracy and freedom of expression.

91��ý continues to encourage our members to help raise public consciousness regarding the many ways in which disinformation and media manipulation are used to mislead public opinion in all spheres of life, and further encourages librarians to facilitate this awareness with collection development, library programming and public outreach that draws the public's attention to those alternative sources of information dedicated to countering and revealing the disinformation.

91��ý Executive Board

American Association of School Librarians Board of Directors

Association for Library Service to Children Board of Directors

Association of College and Research Libraries Board of Directors

Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures Board of Directors

Public Library Association Board of Directors

Reference and User Services Association Board of Directors

Young Adult Library Services Association Board of Directors

United for Libraries Board of Directors

SZALUSKY Tue, 03/01/2022 - 10:15

Governance

Contact:

Sheryl Reyes

Director

91��ý

Governance

sreyes@ala.org

91��ý donates $15,000 to assist libraries in Louisiana and New Jersey damaged by Hurricane Ida

SZALUSKY — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 16:30:43 +0000

91��ý donates $15,000 to assist libraries in Louisiana and New Jersey damaged by Hurricane Ida

CHICAGO — Libraries and communities in Louisiana and the along the East Coast are still struggling to recover from damage from category 4 Hurricane Ida which ravaged a huge part of the country in August.

Thanks to support from members and other library supporters, the 91��ý Disaster Relief Fund is sending $5,000 each to the Lafourche Parish Library (Louisiana), the St. Charles Parish Library (Louisiana) and the Caldwell Public Library (New Jersey) restore and upgrade resources and services.

St. Charles Parish Library suffered damage to a number of locations, with the West Regional Library being totally exposed as one side of the building was torn down. St. Charles will use the donation to help replace books and furnishings that were lost.

Hurricane Ida destroyed a satellite branch and severely damaged the inside of one of the main branches of the Lafourche Parish Library, which included back-up servers. As Lafourche Parish Library builds back, 91��ý’s donation is helping the library migrate its back-up system to the Cloud.

Flooding destroyed the Caldwell Public Library’s Children’s Room, and the library is still not habitable. The donation will help with computers and furnishings for the temporary spaces the library has set up to support the community.

To make a donation to help rebuild libraries damaged during Hurricane Ida, or other recent disasters please go to 91��ý Disaster Relief Fund

SZALUSKY Tue, 12/21/2021 - 10:30

Contact:

Michael P. Dowling

Director

91��ý

Chapter Relations Office (CRO) International Relations Office (IRO)

mdowling@ala.org

International Relations Office (IRO)

91��ý active at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly

91��ý to present United Nations program

Free Event: Generative A.I. supercharging the mission of libraries: risks and opportunities

Jim Neal receives 2023 John Ames/Humphry/OCLC/ Forest Press Award

91��ý supports human rights and freedom of expression in Iran

91��ý Condemns Destruction of Libraries, Schools, and Cultural Institutions in Ukraine

91��ý announces Ukraine Library Relief Fund

Related Links

91��ý announces $1.55M second round of emergency fund for libraries impacted by COVID-19

91��ý stands with Ukrainian library community

91��ý donates $15,000 to assist libraries in Louisiana and New Jersey damaged by Hurricane Ida