Libraries Vital Information Hubs Helping Victims Get Back on Their Feet

To help residents of the County Library service areas most affected by the recent wildfires, the Alpine, Crest, Descanso, Julian, Lakeside, Pine Valley, and Valley Center Branch Libraries will add Monday hours from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 10, 17 and 24.

The expanded hours will provide six days a week of access to the kinds of information that those affected by the fire will be needing to rebuild their lives in the short and long term.

The library’s substantial online resources will be a boon both to those who have lost their homes and to those who have not yet
had power or telephone service restored. People can visit and get help in using the Internet and
the vast array of online full-text magazine and newspaper articles to which the Library subscribes.

In coming days, the following brochures will be available at all County Library branches:

• What to Do After a Wildfire
(Dept of Environmental Health)

• Ash and Debris Cleanup Guidance (Dept of Environmental Health)

• Swimming Pools Impacted by Smoke and Ash (Dept of Environmental Health)

• Avoiding Charity Scams
(from District Attorney)

• After Disaster Strikes — What You Need to Know Before Rebuilding (from the San Diego County Bar Association)

• Wildfire Smoke and You (from Air Pollution Control District

• Local Assistance Centers Opening (from Office of Disaster preparedness)

• Wildfire Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Building Codes, Permit Process and Fire

• Prevention in the Unincorporated Area of San Diego County
(from DPLU)

• Fire Victim Assistance and Recovery Services (from San Diego County home page)

• Recovery from Fire Damage in Avocado Groves (from Farm and Home Advisor)

Fines for overdue books will be dealt with on a case by case basis, as will books lost in the catastrophe. Insurance company, police reports, Red Cross affidavits and news accounts of property losses will be relied upon to document claims of books destroyed in the fires.

"Library customers become close friends to library staff in the communities they serve. Staff want to express their heartfelt sympathy and concern for the library customers who have lost their homes in this catastrophe," said San Diego County Library Director Marilyn Crouch.

For more information, contact San Diego County Library Headquarters at (858) 694-2415.