Harvey Recovery Support

From Jane Cheeks, HR, 9/1:

On Behalf of Dr. Rhea Lawson –

First let me say how proud I am of your leadership and how everyone has stepped up to help bring Houston back!  Here is a brief library update.

Recovery Support

We recognize that the mental toll on our neighbors after a catastrophic event like Harvey is tremendous.

As we did after Hurricane Ike, we want to help ease the stress our neighbors are experiencing during recovery by providing services that are supportive of recovery efforts like providing technology and assistance for filling out forms, blue tarps - if they need them, etc. and providing programs that bring joy in the eyes of children who have witnessed so much destruction. 

Houston’s Libraries will serve as that safe, helpful place in the midst of rebuilding. 

• We are still gauging damages to our 42 libraries

• By Tuesday, we will stand up full services in 12- 14 libraries in neighborhoods around the city 

• We will also resume a number of services at Central Library on Tuesday

• We will continue to open additional libraries in the coming weeks as they are repaired

• We will open the libraries located in two multi service centers that are providing Health Department WIC services this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (7am to 7pm)

Child Care for up to 150 children of COH Employees while schools are closed.

With schools closed next week, the Central Library is prepared to care for 150 children of City employees as they work to help the City restore services.  

We need your help to spread this word as many employees will struggle with child care arrangements that may affect their decision to return to work. Free childcare was very much appreciated and well used during recovery efforts after Hurricane Ike.