[HOUSTON, TX. August 12, 2024] – Harris County Public Library (HCPL) reports significant impacts on its collection at several branches in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl which hit the upper Texas coast on July 8. While all library buildings in the system were spared from direct wind and flood damage, prolonged power outages across Harris County, lasting weeks in some areas, led to humidity-related damage at three of HCPL's twenty-seven branches.
The lack of air conditioning during this period resulted in extreme humidity, adversely affecting the books. The South Houston Branch Library and the High Meadows Branch were hit the hardest. Both branches lost their entire collection due to moisture damage while Atascocita Branch Library also faced significant losses.
“Following the extensive damage from Hurricane Harvey, which flooded numerous branches and destroyed thousands of books, we implemented procedures to mitigate loss during natural disasters," said Amber Seely, Division Director, Collections & Technical Services. With Hurricane Beryl, the challenge was different—power outages led to humidity damage. As a result, our policies and procedures are continually evolving to better handle such situations.”
Library staff understand that it is quite disconcerting when patrons enter their library to find the shelves mostly empty. HCPL wants to reassure them that this is only a temporary situation. "Our patrons are coming in and are obviously surprised to see all our books gone," says longtime South Houston Branch Library manager Clara Lopez. The South Houston branch and other affected libraries remain open, with all programs and other amenities will continue to be provided as usual.
To be clear, books and DVDs are still available at South Houston Branch Library and the High Meadows Branch. Patrons have access to all materials in the entire Harris County Public Library system's collection. Books and DVDs are transferred wherever they are requested. This floating collection ensures that any empty space on the shelves will be filled quickly. Additionally, as insurance funds are allotted, the affected branch collections will be rebuilt.
