Tuesday, September 23, 2008

When Disaster Strikes II: Galveston

The Houston Chronicle reported Saturday about the gradual return of Galveston residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Johnny Hanson's photograph of mold damage to books at the Rosenberg Library is a reminder of how quickly mold spores grow in tropical climes.

Today's Library Journal published an interview with John Augelli, the Executive Director at the Rosenberg, which houses the Galveston and Texas History Center. Augelli and two of his staff members stayed in the library throughout the storm, and witnessed a six-foot storm surge that wiped out the library's first floor, its childrens collection. Prepared for wind event, the library that sits on one of the island's highest points was overwhelmed with water.

To read an updated version of Sandra Nyberg's 1987 Solinet Preservation Leaflet, "Invasion of the Giant Mold Spore," click here.

[Above: Detail of Johnny Hanson photograph "Mold has damaged books on the lower floors of the Rosenberg Library, home of the Galveston and Texas History Center." 20 September 2008 Houston Chronicle]. For full article and photograph, click here.

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