Urgent Call to Action: Help Libraries in Western North Carolina Recover from Hurricane Helene
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left Western North Carolina (WNC) reeling, and while Asheville is receiving much-needed aid, the surrounding communities are struggling. Places like Mars Hill, Marshall, and Hot Springs have been hit especially hard, and the damage is staggering. While they’re grateful for the support their region has already received, it's important to remember that WNC is more than just Asheville. Many smaller towns are in desperate need of resources.
“Our libraries, which serve as essential hubs for these communities, have been deeply impacted. The Mars Hill and Marshall libraries are holding on, but the Hot Springs library—along with most of the town's Main Street—is a total loss. Almost everything inside was destroyed, from children’s books and toys to shelves of adult fiction. We’ve only been able to salvage a handful of materials, and we’re still assessing the full extent of the damage.” Marshall Library Staff Member
We wanted to share this information from our friends in North Carolina.
Here’s how you can help:
Spread the word: Share the story of what’s happening in WNC. Let others know that the need for aid extends far beyond Asheville.
Donate: Contribute to local recovery efforts specifically focused on smaller, hard-hit communities like Hot Springs and Marshall.
Here is a list of local organizations:
- Madison County Community Housing Coalition - even in non-emergency situations they do great work helping folks in the county get much needed repairs. The only ask is that you help work on the project a little, if you can:
https://chcmadisoncountync.org/donate/
- Friends of the Hot Springs Library - we had only just finished paying off the loan last year, now we will have to start over from scratch:
https://www.friendsofhotspringslibrary.org/
- Beacon of Hope - Madison based, in normal circumstances they help bridge the gap of food inequities in their county by regularly providing free food boxes with donated fresh produce and shelf stable items. Because of the situation, they've opened it to everyone so that everyone can be fed. But they still need donations if possible to get supplies:
https://bohmarshall.org/donate-1-1
Volunteer: If you're nearby or able to help, consider volunteering your time to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts.
WNC is hurting, and these libraries play a vital role in supporting the community. By coming together, we can help restore these spaces and provide hope for those who need it most.
Let’s rally around these towns and show them they’re not forgotten.
