Nearly a month after south Louisiana’s historic flood, East Baton Rouge Parish Library officials say they have yet to tally the total number of books and other items that were lost systemwide due to the disaster.
Of the library system’s 14 branch locations, the Greenwell Springs Regional Library is the only one that took on water. Between 4 and 8 inches of water damaged books located on the bottom of shelves, as well as end panels and furniture, says Mary Stein, assistant library director. Staff discarded approximately 16,000 water-damaged items, and the branch has yet to reopen.
In addition to the items lost at the Greenwell Springs Road branch, EBRPL officials say some borrowers are already discovering borrowed books and other items in their flooded homes, offices and cars.
More borrowed materials are sure to be found, they say, adding that it will be months before people truly know what they have lost in the flood.
“We are working with patrons and being as forgiving and flexible as we can as they recover from the flood and discover damaged library materials and books,” says Library Director Spencer Watts, adding lost library cards also are being replaced.
Borrowers can report damaged items by bringing them to libraries—unless they’re wet and molded—taking a photo of the item or calling a branch to report the item as damaged or lost.
Watts says the photo can be emailed or brought to a library branch where circulation staff will work with patrons on a case-by-case basis to resolve issues, and reduce or waive fines for items lost or damaged in the flood.
“We understand the frustration flood victims may have and are patiently working with each one,” he says. “If the items are wet or moldy, please do not return them, but we appreciate an email, call or visit to inform us of which item you borrowed.”
Photos or messages can be emailed with the subject title “flood-damaged and lost library items” to sgordon@ebrpl.com or texted to (225) 400-2070.
—Alexandria Burris
