Damage to the Pratt City branch of the Birmingham Library System.

Six libraries are confirmed as being heavily damaged in last week’s tornadoes, with three of them perhaps completely destroyed. A dozen other branches have yet to be heard from, Library Journal reports, but even in this seemingly worst of situations not all is lost:

The Pratt City Branch in Birmingham may have to be demolished, Renee Blalock, the library’s director, told LJ.

“It was in the direct path of the tornado and it’s pretty much a total loss,” she said. “We got all the books out, which by some miracle didn’t get wet, and today we are removing furniture that’s not busted up. But the roof is all done, the AC is blown all over the place, every window is broken, and a couple of walls are cracked,” Blalock said.

Other Birmingham branches suffered power outages, but as of today only the Wylam Branch remained closed because of a lack of power.

Aside from salvaging the roughly 22,000 books, the shelving from the 9000 square foot branch might also be saved and put in storage, Blalock said. And, fortunately, the library also just updated its insurance.

Library Journal goes on to report one other piece of positive news, in that a recently amended FEMA rule stipulates that libraries are considered essential community services and therefore have access to interim funds to restore service.

While collections are being salvaged and buildings either secured or condemned, Tennessee has opened up its libraries for Alabama residents to use as needed.

“Essential community services…” I wonder if Detroit knows that terminology.

As of right now, it is uncertain who might be around to field a call, but follow this link if you’re interested in donating money to the Birmingham Public Library.